The Bluffton and Pandora Police Departments, as well as the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, are planning for the 8th annual National Night Out celebration to be held on Tuesday, August 2 at the Bluffton Community Pool. The event is an opportunity for community members to enjoy a fun-filled evening with area first-responders including the Bluffton, Beaverdam and Pandora police, fire and EMS departments.

Organizers are inviting local businesses and individuals to provide financial support for this “leave your wallet at home” event and to join in as volunteers serving food and providing activities for local families. In 2021, an estimated 2000-2500 people were in attendance.

The event will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Bluffton Community Pool, 205 Snider Rd., where free pool admission will be offered all day. There will be food and drinks provided, as well as giveaways, firetruck displays and rides, face painting, bounce houses and music.

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the fireworks display that will take place at about 9:30 p.m.  In the event of bad weather, a backup date of Wednesday, August 3 is planned.

To support the event, which is totally funded by donations and uses no taxpayer dollars, there the following options:

• Provide monetary support for food, drinks, and other items. Checks can be sent to the Bluffton Police Department at P.O. Box 63, Bluffton, OH 45817. Please make payable to “Village of Bluffton” with “National Night Out” on the memo line.
   
• Provide in-kind donations of food, drink and other items. Contact Lieutenant Oglesbee at the Bluffton Police Department at 419-358-2961 ext. 110 or email oglesbeem@bluffton-ohio.com.
   
• Help sponsor the chamber fireworks display. Checks made payable to “Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce” can be sent to P.O. Box 142, Bluffton, OH 45817. For more information, contact chamber director Jim Enneking at 419-369-2985 or info@explorebluffton.com. 

To volunteer as an individual or group for the day of the event, please provide information to Lt. Oglesbee using the contact information above and he will forward it to the volunteer coordinator.  

Volunteers can sign up for one or more shifts, from 5:15-7:00 p.m. and from 7:00-9:15 p.m.

Please respond by July 6 with your donation, in-kind support or volunteer availability.