Police Department Plans Its First National Night Out

The Upper Macungie Police Department will host its first National Night Out at Lone Lane Park on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Previously, the now-defunct Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department hosted the event.

National Night Out is nationwide annual event designed to raise awareness, develop local police partnerships with the community and strengthen neighborhood spirit and unity.

The Upper Macungie Police Department has scheduled a number of diverse and interesting events for their first National Night Out celebration. They include:

• Cup Cake Recipe Contest: Bring a dozen of your best “award worthy” cupcakes along with the recipe. Judges will taste and rate the cupcake on creativity, and most of all, taste. Winner along with the recipe will be announced that evening and it will be posted on our Facebook page.

• Paint an Old Car: This is an activity for the entire family. We will have an old car on site to paint. It can be as simple as your name or be as creative as Vincent van Gogh. Sponsored by Faust Auto Parts and Towing. 

• A Cakewalk: The cakewalk was originally a 19th century dance. The winners would receive cake slices, a prize which gave birth to the dance’s familiar name. Southern natives, especially those who grew up attending church socials and PTA fundraisers, have a very different notion of cakewalk’s definition. To them a cakewalk is a contest like musical chairs. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

• DJ: A DJ will provide music throughout the night. If you have any special requests for a special song, stop by the DJ table.

• Face Painting, Moon Walk, and more: Kids of all ages love to have their face painted. Sack races, tug-o-war, three leg races, moon bounce and ball pit are some of the activities for the children. Sponsored by Legacy Christian Church. 

• Willow Tree Grove: Davis Catering of Orefield will have food items for purchase throughout the evening.

• Miller-Keystone Blood Drive: The gift of blood is the gift of life. Tell your neighbors, friends, and family who donate that we need them.

• Local Food Pantry Collection:  St Paul’s UCC will be on site to collect non-perishable food items for the pantry’s that service Upper Macungie Township residents. We ask that you consider bringing such items to the park to donate. The person in need could be your neighbor.
  

• Voter Registration Drive: Upper Macungie Township will be on site to assist you.

• Bicycle Registration: If a bike is stolen from the street, a car or home, the owner needs the serial number to report the theft to the police. Most people don't keep this number handy. However, when a bicycle is registered the police can recall information quickly from the computer. The registration records are cross-referenced by name as well as by serial number and registration number. A member of the police department will be available to register your bicycles.

• K-9 Demonstration: Officer Matthew Gardner will provide a K-9 lecture and demonstration that you won’t want to miss. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

• Motorcycle Patrol Unit Demonstration: Officer Cardell and Officer Rohrbach will provide a demonstration and a Q&A session. Schedule for  5:30 p.m. 

• Child Safety Seat Inspection: Car crashes are a leading killer of children ages 1 to 12 years old in the U.S.  The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way.  There are so many car seat types and models, how do you know which one is right for your child? The right car seat or booster fits your child and your car, and is one you will use correctly every time you travel. Not only will your child ride as safely as possible, you will be establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your child travels. We will have certified officers at the event to assist you with proper installment or any questions you may have concerning child car seat laws.  

• Cetronia Ambulance: Cetronia will have an ambulance on display and crew will be available for Q&A. They will also have a first aid station for the evening's event.

• Upper Macungie Township Fire Departments: Are you interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter? If so, your local firefirefighters will be on location to answer any questions you may have. They will also have some fire trucks on display.