National Night Out fosters a positive relationship among the police and public

The Mason Police District had more than 40 community events on their agenda for National Night Out.

Community associations, HOAs, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and recreation centers across the region invited police officers and firefighters to ice cream socials, potlucks, and other gatherings on the evening of Aug. 6.      

National Night Out is an annual event held on the first Tuesday of August. The goal is to promote safety by building trust with the police and strengthening relationships among neighbors.

Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez attended several National Night Out events including one at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale.

At that event, Mason Police Commander Maj. Erin Weeks and other officers handed out school supplies, ice cream, coupons for Slurpees from 7-Eleven, snacks, and stickers to children – and also offered kids a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a police cruiser.

At the National Night Out event at the Woodburn Village Condominium in Annandale, neighbors gathered for free pizza and ice cream, while the HOA raffled off gift cards from Amazon, Visa, and local restaurants.

The Annandale Chamber of Commerce hosted a big party on National Night Out at the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike with tables from about a dozen businesses and organizations.

The event also featured performances by the Hapmudo martial arts studio and International Dance, which is relocating to the Annandale Shopping Center from Pinecrest Plaza. The new studio is expected to open next month.

There were raffle prizes, free pizza from Jet’s Pizza, and free frozen yogurt and cotton candy from Sweet Frog, balloon animals, face painting, and a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog.