National Night Out Draws Crowds, Despite Rain

August 6, 2025 Jefferson Weaver Front Page, Lead Story, News, PUBLIC SAFETY Comments Off on National Night Out Draws Crowds, Despite Rain

Despite heavy rains in the afternoon and intermittent showers in the evening, National Night Out drew big crowds in both Whiteville and Chadbourn.

Chadbourn’s inaugural event was moved from the Strawberry Event Field to the town hall, while the Whiteville festival was held in the parking lot at City Hall.

National night Out is designed to foster relationships between law enforcement and the community at large. The sheriff’s office joined Whiteville for their event. Both towns hosted other first responders and community groups. WPD Chief Paul Rockenbach and Sheriff Bill Rogers took turns in the dunking both in Whiteville.

(Chadbourn event photos courtesy of Ken Elliot)

Chadbourn Police Chief Ken Elliot with Mrs. NC Strawberry Festival Michelle Fisher.
Heavy rains forced organizers to move the Chadbourn event to town hall, where exhibitors set up on the front porch of the municipal building.

 

Lisa Yemma of the Museum of Science and Joan McPherson of the Chamber of Commerce at the museum’s booth.
A number of community organizations had tents at the Whiteville event.
This year’s Columbus County Agricultural Fair Queen was on hand promoting the annual event as well.
Sheriff Bill Rogers and Mike Myrie of Sheepdog Foundation Inc.
Visitors to the Museum of Science tent were asked to vote on their favorite fox, red or gray. They also had the opportunity to handle pelts of beaver, a black bear, raccoon and other wildlife.

About Jefferson Weaver 3228 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at jeffersonweaver@ColumbusCountyNews.com.
Website Facebook