Brookhaven Gears Up For National Night Out Event

A record 50 vendors are expected to attend Brookhaven’s National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with numerous giveaways from food to games.

Designed to build rapport between police and the community, National Night Out takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Centereach Pool Complex, 256 Hawkins Road.

Brookhaven has been offering National Night Out for nine years as a “lighter way for police to connect with the community and just offer assistance in any way that they can,” Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle said.

“It’s really a way for the Police Department to connect with residents, sit down and talk with them,” said LaValle, who is hosting the event with Councilman Neil Manzella.

“We try to add a little bit of something new every year, and it’s been very successful,” he said, anticipating more than 2,000 attendees.

This year, one highlight is the sheer number of vendors participating. “This is the most vendors we’ve ever hand,” said LaValle. “They give out games, toys, all sorts of things. To that effect, the pool is also free, so the pool will be open and the spray park.”

While food trucks will be on hand to sell festival-style treats, there will also be food giveaways from Buffalo Wild Wings and Shake Shack, he said. LaValle noted that Middle Country Public Library, one of the co-sponsors, will have games planned as well, and all the giveaways will be as supplies last.

Other highlights are a DJ and touch a truck event, as well as the playground and courts for basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

Manzella said he values this event for cultivating community spirit and encouraged everyone to join in the fun.

Since this is a national program, there is no rain date.