by Geoff Fox
The Hancock Police and Town of Hancock put on another successful National Night Out on Tuesday evening, August 5, in Widmeyer Park.
The night started under a clear sky and temperatures in the low 80s and as the night went on, temps got into the mid 70s for a comfortable night to watch fireworks.
National Night Out kicked off with a greeting from Former Police Chief Rich Miller and an invocation from Hancock Police Chaplin Rev. James Toucthon of the Hancock Church of God.
Miller also introduced town officials and members of the various first responders in attendance.
After the introductions, Mayor Roland Lanehart, Jr. presented Miller with a gold key to the city in recognition of his years of service to the town.
Hancock Police Department, Hancock Fire Company, Hancock Rescue Squad, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland State Police, Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office, U.S. Park Rangers, and Morgan County Sheriff’s Office were all in attendance.
There were a number of vendors from businesses, churches, and local organizations in the park.
Joint Training Facility set up their usual archery and human soccer areas along with various other activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.
In the Lions Pavilion, the Lions Club handed out around 1,200 hot dogs to hungry event goers. Town Manager Mike Faith said the town had purchased 1,400 hot dogs for the event.
There were also chips and bottles of water as well.
On the basketball courts, folks were playing half court pickup games.
While it wasn’t extremely hot, the kids were still enjoying the splash pad.
Hancock Fire Company and Hancock Rescue Squad had pieces of apparatus at National Night Out.
While showing off their new Tanker 5, members of the fire company allowed kids to sit in the driver’s seat and blow the horn of the tanker and Engine 51.
Take Two, the musical duo of Russ and Donna Miller, provided music all night.
At 9 p.m., the star attraction of National Night Out lit up the sky as fireworks lit up the sky over the park above Widmeyer Park.
As the final firework exploded and the smoke began to roll in from the flag football field, those in the park let up a cheer and applause capping off another National Night Out.
