An Olney summer tradition returns on August 6th when local first responders and the community join to celebrate Olney’s 29th National Night Out (NNO), from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Shops at Fair Hill, located at Olney-Sandy Spring and Spartan Roads.
This annual community-building campaign promotes “police/fire-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.” The free, family-friendly event is sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and locally by the Olney Chamber of Commerce and partnering organizations the Montgomery County Police Department’s 4th District, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Recreation, and the Shops at Fair Hill.
More than 17,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases around the world will participate in NNO events, ranging from small block parties to large-scale events. Olney’s NNO is the largest of many NNO events held throughout Montgomery County.
Olney received an award for its 2023 event from National Association of Town Watch, placing 16th among participating communities worldwide with a population of 15,000-50,000 people. Award criteria included planning, organizational structure, community impact, neighborhood participation, law enforcement involvement, and media/promotional campaign. Olney was the only award winner in Montgomery County, and one of two in Maryland. (Bowie placed in a different population category.)
“The Olney Chamber of Commerce is incredibly proud to host our award-winning National Night Out event,” said Executive Director Terri Hogan. “This special evening unites our community in a shared celebration of support for our local first responders. It’s a testament to the strength and unity of Olney, showcasing our collective commitment to safety, community spirit, and appreciation for those who protect and serve us every day.” Hogan says she expects this year’s event to be the biggest yet, as additional space and attractions have been added. “The focus of National Night Out is to strengthen the partnership among neighbors, first responders, and businesses, fostering a genuine sense of community,” she said. “Our event achieves this goal in a way that is truly enjoyable for all ages.”
“This is the ultimate touch-a-truck event,” added Jaime Costolo, the Chamber’s deputy director. “Kids can sit on a motorcycle, pet a Park Police horse, explore fire trucks, go inside an ambulance, meet fire fighters and police officers, learn how to safely exit a house fire and so much more. Plus, there are moon bounces, face painting, giveaways, crafts, and many other fun activities.” Dignitaries including newly confirmed Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada are expected to attend Olney’s NNO event. Although he has attended this event for many years, this year marks a special homecoming in his new role.
“To lead the police department that serves and protects the community that I was born and raised in, where I have a family, and where I raised my kids, is truly amazing, and an absolute honor,” he said. “Olney’s National Night Out is very special to me, since it is where I have called home for 36 years.” Other dignitaries including Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, fire chief, sheriff, state’s attorney, and elected officials are scheduled to attend several National Night Out events around the county on Aug. 6, but traditionally begin their evening in Olney. They will travel in a motorcade from the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 40 to kick off Olney’s NNO at 5 p.m. The event begins with a flag ceremony performed by the American Legion Post 68.
New attractions this year include the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Safety House, offering an interactive simulation of home fire safety for all ages; the interactive C.O.P.E. (Community Opioid Prevention Education) Trailer, which shows adults how to identify “red flags” found inside a bedroom or bathroom that might be indicators of an opioid problem; a drone demonstration by Montgomery County Police Department and drunk-driving simulation goggles.
Olney’s NNO also features a DJ, dance, martial arts, and vocal performances, demonstrations, information on fire and crime prevention, U.S. Secret Service child ID fingerprint kits, first responder recruitment information, and more. Exhibitors include more than 50 local businesses, county agencies, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations. Food will be available for purchase from several vendors, including Scratch Kitchen, Mackie’s BBQ, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department Canteen, Grubbing Hard BBQ, La Table du Chateau, Taco el Pariente, Smoothie King, and Kona Ice.
“The Chamber is grateful to our sponsors (all Olney Chamber members) for supporting the event. Gold sponsors are Brooke Grove Retirement Village, Carlos Covarrubias/State Farm, Stein Sperling Attorneys at Law, and What’s Up Promotions. Silver sponsors are Adventure Park at Sandy Spring; Larry Pendleton/First Home Mortgage; Integrated Sport, Spine & Rehab; Kang’s Black Belt Academy; MedStar Health; Olney Family Hearing; Olney Studio of Dance; Peddicord Plumbing Services; Pegasus General Contractors; Preferred Hearing Center LLC; Sandy Spring Bank; and Star Maids Cleaning Solutions.
Also integral to the success of this event are our Community Partners — Montgomery County Recreation Department, Shops at Fair Hill, Everything Entertainment, Sign Gypsies MoCo and Harris Teeter. Net proceeds from this event will be donated to the Montgomery County Police Department’s Officer Noah Leotta Olney Police Satellite Station, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, and the Officer Noah Leotta “Act Responsibly” Scholarship.
Residents and businesses wishing to donate to Olney’s NNO can do so at https://bit.ly/4bCVdw8, via Venmo @OlneyMDChamber, or by sending a check to the Olney Chamber of Commerce to P.O. Box 550, Olney, MD 20830.”
Information courtesy of a press release from the Olney Chamber of Commerce. For additional information, go to www.olneymd.org.