GRAFTON – Normand Crepeau Jr. stood near the DJ’s booth, microphone in hand.
He welcomed the hundreds of children and adults to the 17th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6. He directed some to the food available, and others to a K-9 demonstration about to take place.
“We’re happy we could have this,” said Crepeau, the chief of the Grafton Police Department. “This is a great town.”
This would be Crepeau’s final go-round with this event, at least as chief. He has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 4. Town Administrator Evan Brassard has appointed Deputy Chief Neil Minardi as interim chief; he will be affirmed by the Select Board on Aug. 27, and start his new position once Crepeau steps down.
Crepeau, who has been chief since 2005, has overseen the growth of National Night Out, which has become one of the town’s signature events.
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Spread over the grounds of police headquarters on Providence Road, the celebration included a dunk tank with local officials, including Brassard; a display of the fire department’s newest apparatus, Engine 1; information on public safety; games; a bounce house; a magician; and much more.
Although showers were in the forecast, the weather remained cloudy and cool.
The only alteration because of the weather – the cancellation of a wheelchair tennis demonstration, sponsored by the town’s Accessibility Advisory Commission. Instead, it brought in a pair of therapy dogs, Charlie and Maui, part of the Paws for People program.
“People look forward to this [event],” said Roger Trahan, a member of the commission.
Speaking of dogs, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office presented a K-9 demonstration with Mookie, a drug-sniffing Labrador retriever.
Volunteers wearing bright yellow National Night Out shirts helped set up booths and served hot dogs and pizza. Scouts from troops 106 and 107 handed out popcorn and ice cream.
Several vendors offered games and giveaways, including the Veterans Advisory Board, Dunkin’ Donuts and Savers Bank.
