Photos from past Opelika National Night Out events courtesy of the City of Opelika.
Opelika police officers, firefighters and other first responders will trade the patrol car for a picnic table next week, when the city’s National Night Out returns to Courthouse Square on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening is free and open to everyone.
“National Night Out is really about relationships,” Mayor Eddie Smith said in answers provided through the city. “It gives our officers and residents a chance to have conversations and get to know one another. Those relationships build trust, strengthen neighborhoods and ultimately help us keep Opelika safe. It’s also a great reminder that public safety is a partnership — we all have a role to play.”
What families can expect
The city is promising free food and drinks, kids’ activities and inflatables, entertainment, and booths from community groups. “Families can expect a fun, free evening in Courthouse Square with something for all ages,” Smith said. “Our vendors are focused on public safety, crime prevention, health, education and youth programs, so families can have a great time while also learning more about resources available in our community.”
According to the city’s flyer, agencies taking part include the Opelika Police Department, Opelika Fire Department, Lee County EMA, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, East Alabama EMS and Auburn Public Safety, along with nonprofits, government agencies and youth organizations.
“You don’t have to wait until you need us”
Smith’s advice for anyone planning to go: bring the family and come ready to talk. “Come ready to have fun and meet the people who serve your community,” he said. “National Night Out is free and open to everyone, and we really want families to spend time talking with our officers and first responders. You don’t have to wait until you need us to get to know us.”
If you go
- What: Opelika’s National Night Out
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5–7 p.m.
- Where: Courthouse Square, downtown Opelika
- Cost: Free
- More info: opelika-al.gov/869/National-Night-Out
Groups that want to volunteer can email Allison Duke, the Opelika Police Department’s community relations administrator, at aduke@opelika-al.gov. Sponsor and vendor forms are on the city’s National Night Out page. This year’s flyer notes the event is held in memory of Valestine Penn.
Source: City of Opelika and the Opelika Police Department. Written with AI assistance and reviewed by Opelika Daily News.
