2,500-plus expected for Aug. 1 National Night Out
The biggest event of Bluffton’s summer is Tuesday night Aug. 1. And, as always, it’s all free.
It’s the fourth annual National Night Out celebration held at the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool.
The Bluffton Police Department, in conjunction with the Pandora Police Department, sponsor NNO. Bluffton, Beaverdam and Pandora Fire and EMS Departments also participate.
NNO is held from 6-9 p.m. with free pool admission all day (rain date Wednesday, Aug. 2).
There will be food, giveaways, fire truck displays and rides, face painting, bounce houses, live music and an opportunity to meet local safety service personnel.
According to Matt Oglesebee, of the Bluffton police department and chair of the evening, “Last year we had a great turnout with approximately 2,500 people present. We served approximately 2,400 hot dogs, 800 bags of chips, and 2,600 cans of pop and bottles of water.
“We are hoping to have just as many if not more people attend this year. We are making plans to be able to serve food, drinks, and snacks for 2,500 people again this year.”
Fireworks concludes the evening
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce seeks sponsors for the fireworks display, which following National Night Out at dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.)
Phil Zimmerly, chamber director, invites businesses, industries, organizations and individuals for sponsorships.
“Last year thousands of community members were able to enjoy the fireworks provided by the chamber,” said Zimmerly.
“We need your help to pay for the 2017 fireworks. Please consider donating to this awesome community event.”
Groups interested in being a fireworks sponsor may contact the chamber with a pledge at [email protected], or call the chamber office at 419-369-2985. The chamber will send invoices to sponsors.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, September 11, 2026
- Pirate volleyball wins in four vs. Elmwood
- Howard Thornsberry worked in the produce industry
- Pirate girls soccer silenced by Bath
- Pirate boys soccer nipped by Liberty-Benton
- September 11 Bluffton High School athletics lineup, streaming
- Sept. 12 Open Doors offers sneak peek at future Bluffton museum space
- Innovation Forum challenges leaders to think deeper about AI
- Invitation to Sept 15 Bluffton Lions program with Dr. William H. Kose
- Deer archery hunting begins Sept. 12 in Disease Surveillance Area
Thursday, September 10, 2026
- Women in Business program with Positive Nutrition
- It's time for Fall Storytime at the Bluffton Public Library
- Pirate girls golf win vs. Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate boys golf splits NWC tri
- Bluffton PTO is collecting Community Markets receipts
- Richland Twp. trustees hire mower and Zoning Inspector
- Schumacher Homestead plans a farm full of Fall Fest activities
- Hindsight is 20/20: Recent reports for RSV, flu, and COVID-19
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- Darrell Lee Diller, 92, managed a farming business
- Bluffton alumni will discuss pathways to chaplaincy
- Beaverdam cleanup day is Sept. 12
- Pirate boys golf 3rd at NWC quad
- Pirate volleyball outlasts Arlington
- Pirate girls soccer blanks Crestview
- Pirate boys soccer tie vs. Kalida
- Letter: The future of American agriculture
- Maple Grove Cemetery records now online
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Bluffton Historical meets Sept. 9 at the 1899 Depot
- Jerry L. Blosser worked for DTR Industries
- Bluffton Schools cancelled on September 8, cleanup for biodigester malfunction underway
- July 2026 Bluffton Police Dept. activity report
- Hillville Rd. closure on Sept. 8-9
- Lions and friends will count pathway users in September
- Bluffton Ohio Historical Society takes part in Ohio Open Doors, Sept. 12