Chesterfield kicks off National Night Out early with ‘during the day’ event

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation began Tuesday's National Night Out festivities at Stonebridge Recreation Center.

National Night Out "During the Day" was just one of the county's many events for the annual community building campaign on Tuesday, Aug. 5

According to the parks and recreation website, the day promotes strong police community partnership, and making neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work.

At Stonebridge, visitors met with officers from Chesterfield Police and Fire and EMS, including McGruff the crime dog.

Vendors from local businesses and services were present, as well as entertainment, a photobooth, classic cars and more.

Ericka Bynum is the county's principal recreation specialist, and she said while the day is about safety, it's also a chance to have fun with your neighbors.

"We just want people to come out and enjoy themselves," Bynum said. "And get to see McGruff! All day today, it's all about having fun and celebrating the fact that we are a community here in Chesterfield County."