National Night Out (NNO), an Olney summer staple, returns Tuesday, August 6. The free, family-friendly event fosters police and fire personnel partnerships with the community, while offering food, music, and fun activities for all ages to enjoy.
The event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and the Olney Chamber of Commerce, with additional support from local entities like the Montgomery County Police Department’s 4th District and the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department.
The 29th NNO runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on August 6 at the Shops at Fair Hill, located at Olney-Sandy Spring and Spartan Roads.
Last year, Olney’s NNO ranked 16th worldwide among communities with populations between 15,000 and 50,000. The event was recognized for its planning, community impact, and law enforcement involvement. It is also the largest of many NNO events held throughout the county.
“The Olney Chamber of Commerce is incredibly proud to host our award-winning National Night Out event,” said Executive Director Terri Hogan. “It’s a testament to the strength and unity of Olney, showcasing our collective commitment to safety, community spirit, and appreciation for those who protect and serve us every day.”
Hogan expects this year’s event to be the biggest yet, with added space and attractions.
Event highlights will include police cruisers, fire trucks, motorcycles, horses, rescue dogs, crime and fire prevention information, crafts, face painting, games for kids, and US Secret Service child ID kits. Attendees can also enjoy a local business expo.
Jaime Costolo, the Chamber’s deputy director, highlighted the event’s appeal to children. “This is the ultimate touch-a-truck event,” she said.
New attractions will include the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Safety House, an opioid prevention education trailer, a drone demonstration by Montgomery County Police, and drunk-driving simulation goggles.
Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada will attend, marking a special homecoming in his new role. “Olney’s National Night Out is very special to me, since it is where I have called home for 36 years,” Yamada said.
Other county officials, including County Executive Marc Elrich, are scheduled to attend several National Night Out events on Aug. 6, starting with a motorcade from the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 40 at 5 p.m. The day’s events will commence with a flag ceremony performed by the American Legion Post 68.
Over 50 local businesses, county agencies, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations will be in attendance. Food vendors include Scratch Kitchen, Mackie’s BBQ, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department Canteen, Grubbing Hard BBQ, La Table du Chateau, Taco el Pariente, Smoothie King, and Kona Ice.
Proceeds will benefit the Montgomery County Police Department’s Officer Noah Leotta Olney Police Satellite Station, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, and the Officer Noah Leotta “Act Responsibly” Scholarship.
Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/4bCVdw8, via Venmo @OlneyMDChamber, or by sending a check to the Olney Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 550, Olney, MD 20830.
Visit the Olney Chamber of Commerce website for more information about this year’s NNO.
