by Geoff Fox
As folks started gathering in Widmeyer Park for National Night Out, gray skies to the north and later to the west were threatening, but held off long enough for the public to enjoy the night.
Around 6 p.m. Hancock Police Chief Rich Miller got things started by welcoming everyone, followed by Rev. James Toucthon of the Hancock Church of God and Chaplin for the Hancock Police Department saying a prayer and National Anthem by Shannon McKinley.
Miller also introduced town officials, and officers from the Maryland State Police, DNR, US Park Police, Washington County Emergency Department, West Virginia State Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Pennsylvania Games Commission. Hancock Police Department, Hancock Fire Company, and Hancock Rescue Squad were also on hand. 
In trying to beat the rain, Miller oversaw a K-9 demonstration with Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 officer Kevin and his handler Dep. Litten. Kevin’s bite demonstration subject was Hancock Police Department officer Jesse Walls. 
Attendees also took time to listen to Take Two perform music, walk around to the different informational booths set up, watch kids bouncing in the bounce houses and participate in various Joint Training Facility activities.
Hungry event goers were served hamburgers and hot dogs by the Lions Club and various organizations handed out popcorn and shaved ice. 
However, around 7:30 p.m., Mother Nature showed up to National Night Out and brought the rain. By 8 p.m., all activities had been deflated or put away, but the main event was still on.
It was announced that fireworks would still be going, just moved up to 8:30 p.m., rain or not.
While it wasn’t very dark, the rain stopped long enough for the fireworks to be shot off. Shortly before the finale began, drops of rain started falling once again and a continuous rain started right as the final firework was bursting overhead. 
