If you’re looking for a good night out, you won’t have to look too far in Guilderland.
The Guilderland Police Department Community Service Unit is hosting the local Night Out, which is the nationwide event’s 30th anniversary, on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m., at Tawasentha Park. The national community building campaign aims to increase crime prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, along with letting criminals know “neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
For last year’s event, Guilderland even stood out nationally and received an award for its community participation at the event, with estimates placing the crowd around 4,000.
“We were probably one of the largest ones in the nation, at least local,” event committee member Amy Boyt said. “It makes me very proud with the number of people that come out to support us.”
Police Sgt. Roger Ginder said the event has grown since it started several years ago, with only around 50 to 100 people coming out to the first one. Ginder said the department is “very big” on community relations and services.
“It is really a way for the community to come out for free and get to know each other. We believe the best way to prevent crime is to get to know your neighbors,” Ginder said. “It definitely helps us too, because when we have that many people from the community coming in, we get to know them and they get to know us.”
Allowing people to see police in a different light is also important, he said.
“There really is more to the police department than arresting people and giving tickets,” Ginder said.
The event includes several activities, such as demonstrations by the department’s K-9 Rocky, rappelling exercises, and information about how women can protect themselves against sexual crimes. Altamont police will bring their horses, and an ambulance will be onsite to allow people a look into the vehicle at a less stressful moment.
There are several activities for children, including a bouncy-bounce, pony rides, petting zoo and games. Ginder said kids would likely enjoy looking at the display of vintage World War II equipment, along with adults.
The Refrigerators will be performing from 7 to 10 p.m. and the rest of the attractions run from opening until 9 p.m. Food is available for purchase from a variety of vendors, which is the only cost at the event.
Ginder said Brian Forte, now a town councilman, founded the local event and approached Target for sponsorship, and the company remains the main commercial supporter. Last year, a committee was established to help organize the event since after more than five years, it had grown rather large.
This year, he believes five Target stores are coming to the event and each will bring an item to put toward a free raffle. Other business help support the event, too, with Price Chopper donating water, Regal Cinema donating popcorn and Stewart’s providing ice cream. Police department members, along with Town Hall employees and their families, volunteer to run the event.
“It is a really big thing, and it is our way of giving back to the community as well,” Ginder said. “I enjoy being out and talking to people in the public at a different level … actually just talking to people. That is really why we are all involved. That is why we do this.”
Boyt said she enjoys being able to meet everyone in the community.
“I like seeing new faces and even the ones we have seen year after year,” she said. “It is a way to reach out and say, ‘Thank you for supporting us.’”