Celebrating Community Partnership: ‘National Night Out’ Shaping Up as Largest to Date

Marcelino Aguilar has attended National Night Out. He's watched it grow, in his old neighborhood outside city park, from just over 100 people to a festival involving thousands.

"It's kind of a tradition. The kids enjoy it, the music and food," he said in 2011. "It's gotten bigger every year."

Aguilar, like many near City Park, will have to travel a short ways to stay involved this year but with the annual program expected to be the largest to date, he and many others are considering the trip.

The 2013 National Night Out, part of a nationwide celebration taking place on Tuesday night, has become a regular family outing in Meriden in recent years. This year's event will move to Meriden's Hubbard Park to both accommodate planned construction at City Park and help serve a larger crowd, said Lt. Steve Lespier, commander of the Meriden Police Department's Neighborhood Initiatives Unit.

"It's a great way for us to connect with the community and for everyone to come together to show we will not tolerate crime and drugs," Lespier said. "Together, we can all help make a difference and influence our children to make the right decisions."

The event has taken place for nearly a decade now and is hosted by the Meriden Council on Neighborhood Associations and Meriden Police Department.

National Night Out is free to attend. Tuesday's festival will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will have at least 48 separate non-profit organizations and businesses having tents, free events, giveaways and more.

"There are so many organizations coming together now, and each is offering different opportunities," said Holly Wills, president of the Council of Neighborhoods. "The Rotary Club will be hosting amber alert signs, the Kiwanis Club will be giving away bike helmets; there's something for everyone. The event is completely free and some of organizations providing giveaways. There will be raffles for children that include bikes, scooters, iPods and more."

2013's event is sponsored this year by Target, a company that has provided gift cards, volunteers and corporate sponsorship, as well as a host of Meriden businesses, Wills said.

The following gave donations or sponsorship in 2013:

• Target Stores
• MidState Medical Center
• Naugatuck Savings Bank
• The Napier Foundation
• Verizon Wireless
• Metro PCS
• The Meriden Police Union
• Meriden Police, Fire and EMS Services