The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is a collaborative effort between the HCC basic law enforcement training program, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Weldon Police Department.
It will feature the musical stylings of The Embers, which now features the vocals of Beach Music favorite Craig Woolard, Roanoke Rapids Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said Monday.
“Each year we have more participation,” Jackson said. “I think the community looks forward to the event.”
Nationwide, this will be the 33rd year of the event, Jackson said.
The Embers, he said, are referred by many “as the heart and soul of beach music” and will be performing dance music for the audience.
For Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, it is an opportunity to partner with Roanoke Rapids and Weldon on a social level.
“Roanoke Rapids has took the reigns of this event for many years and I’m honored to partner with them and Weldon. It shows working together works,” Tripp said.
The sheriff’s donation to the event will be a bounce house and carnival games in a Kid Zone with prizes.
Tripp believe National Night Out stands as an important event in the wake of events making headlines across the nation. “The tragedies in Minnesota, Louisiana, Dallas and even yesterday when a police officer was shot outside a courthouse in Michigan, this National Night Out will reinforce the good rapport we have with our citizens and encourage continued dialogue because all lives matter in Halifax County.”
Tripp will announce later today he has scheduled a community wellness forum in the wake of tragedies. The forum will be held July 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre and will include law enforcement and community leaders from Halifax and Northampton counties.
“I want to see a great turnout,” said Weldon Deputy Chief James Avens. “We really need to bring our communities together with all the current news going on.”
Avens said many community resources will be at The Centre — Hannah’s Place, information on mental health and substance abuse resources, fire departments, EMS, domestic violence resources and more. “We want to let the community know of the resources available in the county. It should be a great event for fun and fellowship.”
“It’s a good community event for people to come out and interact with the officers,” Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said.
Admission is free and food vendors will be on hand.