Concord Community Turns Out In Droves For Another National Night Out

CONCORD, NH ? National Night Out continued to be a strong event in Concord this year despite the murky weather.

The nationwide event celebrated 41 years this August with 17,000 communities participating and 38 million expected attendance in those cities, towns, and villages.

The Rollins Park event was filled with officials, vehicles, activities, games, and more.

It was Concord Police Officer Carl Notarangeli?s fourth year planning and coordinating the event for the community resources division of the department, but he admitted much of the organization ran on autopilot. The event has expanded, with Chief Brad Osgood saying some of the trees that were knocked down in the park a few years ago allowed for expanded tents and activities. Notarangeli said the event was so popular some organizers were being turned away. Others, however, continue to pitch in every year, including many nonprofits and civic groups.

?It?s really about doing something for the community,? Notarangeli said. ?Everyone wants to help out ? there are so many people here ? it?s a great event.?

Notarangeli commended community members like Nazzy, who was on hand to emcee the festivities, like he does every year, hosting pudding and watermelon eating contests. Hannaford supermarket donated water while Constantly Pizza offered discounted slices, he said. Associated Grocers donated items, along with a bakery and the new Frozen Flamingo treat truck, too, was at the event.

While Notarangeli downplayed the flattery of another successful National Night Out in Concord, Osgood praised him for ensuring the community event went off without a hitch.

Nearly 40 other communities in New Hampshire, including Amherst, Bedford, Exeter, Hampton, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, North Hampton, Portsmouth, and Salem, held National Night Out Events in 2024 on Tuesday.

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