Lehighton National Night Out set for Tuesday in Lower Park

It’s a time when police and the community come together to foster neighborhood solidarity.

That’s the goal of Lehighton’s National Night Out 2019, a joint initiative between the Lehighton Police Department and Lehighton Downtown Initiative.

Due to the renovations to the borough’s Upper Park, the event will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the borough’s Lower Park, said borough police Detective Matt Arner.

This marks the sixth straight year that the borough has hosted the event. The borough police department initially held National Night Out in 2008 and 2009, and was the first in the county to do so.

Arner said there will be food, games and various other vendors available.

From a food perspective, there will be a French fry truck, KCL Food Truck, and ice cream.

Entertainment-wise, music will be provided by “The Doc” from Colossal Radio.

For the kids, there will be an obstacle course, bounce house and games.

The Lehighton Area Memorial Library will have a table with games and reading for the kids.

In addition, LDI is planning to have a movie that will be shown facing the borough building.

There will also be various groups from community services available, along with many other vendors.

The Franklin Township Police Department and Lehighton Ambulance will also be on hand.

“We’ve expanded to more of a Lehighton area National Night Out,” Arner said. “The night’s about safety and the community.”

Arner touted the police department’s relationship with LDI for helping make the event the success it’s been.

“Our partnership with LDI has been an excellent team-up for us,” he said. “LDI has been very proactive with promoting the downtown area in Lehighton itself, and we could not have done it this year without them.”

Arner explained the central purpose of National Night Out.

“The big draw is to come out and spend the night, afternoon into the evening, with members of the Lehighton Police Department, some of our safety first responders,” he said. “And enjoy a great, safe evening in our lower park.”