The Mauldin Police Department will host National Night Out 2023 on Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mauldin Cultural Center outdoor amphitheater at 101 E. Butler Rd. The free event will include a K-9 demonstration, dance performances, fire and DUI education, touch-a-truck, family-friendly activities, free food and beverages, and special guests including The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, The Greenville Triumph, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate and The Blood Connection.
“This is a chance for the community and the police department to come together under positive circumstances, which is why it’s so important,” said Police Sgt./Community Liaison Officer James Madden, who organized the event. “We’re interacting with community members, we’re having fun, we’re serving food and giving away free items so that people can get to know the law enforcement officers who are protecting them.”
Guests will have the opportunity to meet local first responders and community partners in a casual setting and enjoy music provided by DJ Super Joe of The Edge Entertainment. Family-friendly activities will include face painting, bounce houses, balloon art and a petting zoo featuring Nigerian dwarf goats, rabbits, chickens, a mini pig, pony and alpaca. Free hot dogs, soda, chips, shaved ice, cotton candy and popcorn will be available while supplies last.
“Public safety and building community relationships has always been a top priority for the City of Mauldin,” said Councilwoman and Public Safety Committee Chair Carol King. “Under the leadership of Sgt. Madden, Mauldin’s Community Liaison Officer, we have been successful in demonstrating the importance of building trustworthy relationships within our community. National Night Out is one event that allows us to continue building those relationships and partnerships with our residents, community and businesses in a fun and positive manner. Our K-9 demonstrations and the opportunity for attendees to interact with our officers tend to be crowd pleasures for all during the annual event.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Millions of neighbors across thousands of communities celebrate National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October).
In both 2021 and 2022, the National Night Out Organization officially recognized the Mauldin Police Department with a National Award for MPD’s National Night Out events.
“We’re fortunate to be able to bond with community members and strengthen relationships through National Night Out,” said Police Chief George Miller. “Our community is very supportive of the Mauldin Police Department, so this is an opportunity for us to give back and show appreciation for the citizens we serve. Sgt. Madden has done a phenomenal job organizing a fun, inclusive event that brings police and neighbors together and builds trust.”
This year’s event is sponsored by: Christina Ortiz – State Farm; Davis Services, Inc.; The Edge Entertainment; Pepsi; Carolina Auto; Aun & McKay Law Offices; Petty Jessie’s Fun Ice; Robert E. Ianuario, PC; Dobson Towing, Inc.; Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union; Butler Express Car Wash; Senior American Services, Inc., NB Realty, Publix and Barcel USA.
