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Date: 7/27/2023
AGAWAM — On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Agawam families can again hear live music and see numerous examples of how their lives are protected by individuals serving in local, county and state public safety agencies.
From 5 to 7:30 p.m. at School Street Park, the Agawam Police Department and its community partners will join nearly 16,000 communities across the country in presenting a local edition of National Night Out.
National Night Out, also known as “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” promotes “neighborhood camaraderie” by having public safety personnel host fun events where they can interact with the public. Agawam has hosted its version of Night Out since 2013, and this will be the 39th year for the event nationally.
Sponsored locally by the Agawam Police and nationally by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is similar to an old-fashioned block party with free food, demonstrations and entertainment. Agawam’s 2022 event attracted about a thousand people from the town and surrounding communities.
Children and adults can see and talk with police and firefighters as well individuals from other safety agencies, including the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and the Massachusetts State Police.
Agawam Police will have officers and cruisers and will give out several different types of safety gear to the public, such flashlights, reflectors and glow-in-the-dark bracelets. The department also will have its “blue wall” backdrop — emblazoned with the Agawam Police logo — where people can take selfies or have their pictures taken. In addition, an educational display from the DARE, the department’s youth anti-drug education program, will be set up for parents and youngsters to examine.
State Police are planning to fly their Air Wing helicopter to the Agawam event for the visitors to view up close and even talk with the pilots. Its availability is dependent on weather and on whether it is needed for an emergency call. Depending on availability, the State Police may bring other specialized equipment. Their Special Tactical Operations (STOP) team’s BearCat armored vehicle was displayed at last year’s National Night Out.
The Sheriff’s Department will bring personnel and some of its equipment to view. It also will present a demonstration of how officers use their K-9 dogs to help fight crime.
Another demonstration will give the public the opportunity to watch Agawam firefighters in action as they use their specialized Jaws of Life tools. Firefighters will show how the powerful hydraulic tools can save lives by quickly dismembering a vehicle as they would in an actual rescue of trapped crash victims. One of National Night Out’s most popular demonstrations, it’s scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in the parking lot near the Corey Street entrance to the park.
Several other organizations will also have equipment on display, including the Agawam DPW and Republic Services, which provides trash and recycling service in town. Agawam High School’s robotics team will bring its redesigned robot, Rosie, to show how they have programmed it to do various tasks.
King Ward bus lines will deliver one of its motorcoaches with a special guest, Boomer, the mascot for the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team. For those who get hungry or thirsty, Easthampton Savings Bank will provide free hot dogs, popcorn and bottled water while supplies last.
National Night Out will be followed at 7 p.m. by a free SummerFest concert hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. Jimmy Mazz, a singer, impressionist and comedian, will bring his “Legends & Laughter” show to the park’s bandshell, near the Corey Street entrance. The show is a musical journey through Mazz’s favorite songs of a wide variety of performers from classic vocalists to today’s contemporary artists. This Tuesday night concert replaces the usual Wednesday performance.