HUDSON – Hudson joined forces with thousands of communities nationwide on Aug. 2 to host the town’s first National Night Out at Riverside Park’s baseball field.
Designed to strengthen a partnership between law enforcement and the public, National Night Out was founded in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).
Since then, the national event has been held annually on the first Tuesday of August except for some communities’ cancellations in recent years due to pandemic restrictions.
As stated on NATW’s website, “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”
Locally, residents and visitors of all ages interacted with Hudson police officers during the three-hour evening event. Everyone in attendance was offered free hot dogs, bottled water, popcorn and ice cream.
Children took seat on a Hudson police motorcycle parked on the field. Meanwhile, attendees of all ages rode around the neighborhood in a police cruiser with its lights flashing and siren blaring. Additionally, police vehicles and equipment were displayed.
Kids got the chance to sport body armor supplied by the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.
Youngsters scored fun treats from the Hudson Health Department while their grownups got COVID test kits.
The family-friendly event also featured face painting, an inflatable obstacle course and field games. A helicopter landing planned by the National Guard got grounded due to forecasts of a potential thunderstorm.
Second-generation deejay R.J. Bushey provided music throughout the evening.
Afterward, the Hudson Police Department shared on its Facebook page, “We met so many new people tonight – it was awesome! Looking forward to next year’s event. One team. One community. Better together.”
Follow the Hudson Police Department at facebook.com/hudsonmapolice. Learn more about National Night Out at natw.org.
