CHICOPEE – First responder organizations and waves of community members celebrated National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park on Aug. 1.

Mayor John Vieau shared that National Night Out represents one of the biggest community events of the year. The mayor reminisced about working extensively in the past to plan National Night Out gatherings during his time as the Ward 3 City Councilor.

This year, Chicopee celebrated its 28th year of National Night Out events. The festival ran its normal operations every year aside from 2020, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While most National Night Out events occur the first Tuesday of August, Chicopee continues a tradition of hosting the events on Mondays. Vieau said that choice is made to not disturb the City Council’s regular meeting schedule.

Communities across the country host National Night Out events as a platform for fostering stronger relationships between the police department and the public. The mayor said the festive celebration helps fortify relationships between the community and first responders alike.

“These are the events that build public trust with police, first responders and the public…It’s something I take a lot of pride in. We love to give back to our community and we love these community events,” said Vieau in an interview with Reminder Publishing.

This year’s event brought back several familiar staples along with some new additions. First responders welcomed community members throughout the evening and displayed presentations of some of their equipment. Demonstrations included the police’s training of K-9s, fire trucks that could be toured by the public and even specialized equipment from the Westover Air Base.

Tents ran by community organizations and a plethora of children’s actives were also featured. Vieau stressed the importance of keeping community favorites, like the rock-climbing wall and the wing eating contest between Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School, intact. Alongside those traditions, this year’s National Night Out introduced new activities, like a youth basketball clinic.

Vieau said it was his goal to provide an ample array of events so there would not be long lines throughout the evening.

Chicopee FRESH and the City Council served free hot dogs throughout the evening. Other snacks, like popcorn balls, ice cream and cotton candy, were served as popular staples during the humid summer event.

Communications and Special Project Manger Rachel Beaulieu said this year’s event featured a new planning approach. Beaulieu shared that she and the event’s planning committee wanted to take full advantage of Sarah Jane’s ample space by spreading events out.

“Everyone has a very valuable contribution, we want everyone to experience the whole breadth of the event,” said Beaulieu in an interview with Reminder Publishing. Beaulieu shared that the planning committee featured Police Department Capt. Holly Cote and Fire Department Lt. Katie Kalbaugh among its 30 members.

The celebration ultimately closed with the traditioned flashlight parade that takes place under the night sky. Newly-appointed Police Chief Patrick Major led residents through the parade.