Bolstered by the notable success of last year’s inaugural event, Appomattox will once again host Sheriff’s Night Out for the community next week.

The 2nd Annual Sheriff’s Night Out will take place on Thursday, July 21, from 5-to-7:30 p.m. at Appomattox County High School.

The rain-or-shine event will take place at ACHS’ Bragg Stadium football field, located at 198 Evergreen Avenue.

The evening will include free food, giveaways, demonstrations and other activities for youth, as well as adults.

Appomattox Sheriff Barry Letterman, who initiated the first Sheriff’s Night Out last year, is hoping for a strong turnout again next week, which is why the venue was moved from Abbitt Park to ACHS.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for family fun, live music, food and a chance to interact with members of our local and state law enforcement and first responders,” Sheriff Letterman said.

All who attend will receive a free meal ticket for hotdogs, chips, drinks and homemade chocolate chip cookies.

For kids, there will be free raffle giveaways for four bicycles and numerous school backpacks.

In addition, there will be face-painting, as well as “Travis The Balloon Dude,” who will be making and giving away balloon animals.

The Blue Ridge Regional Jail will be present to hand out free school supplies to all students, and there will be K-9 demonstrations with local canine “Finn.”

Citizens will also have the opportunity to view emergency vehicles as well as meet with local officials from the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office, Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department, Appomattox Rescue Squad, Virginia State Police, and Conservation Officers from the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries.

“That’s what this whole thing is – a chance to interact with state and local law enforcement and promote good will within our community,” said Appomattox Deputy Karen Nipper, who is a key organizer of Sheriff’s Night Out.

Live music will be played by a local deejay as well.

The ACHS Football Program will be assisting with setup and cleanup chores.

Any business seeking to donate a backpack to the event should call the Sheriff’s Office at 434-352-2666.

The following local groups and businesses have already donated to Sheriff’s Night Out:

Appomattox Sheriff’s Office

K-9 Unit Demonstration

Appomattox Fire Department

Appomattox Rescue Squad

DRT

Virginia State Police

Virginia Conservation Police

Pamplin Fire Department

Spot & Dot the Book Buses

Appomattox Christian Academy—Bus Safety

Travis the Balloon Dude

Facepainting by Shelly Crinchton

SOVA ICAC—Child ID Kit

YMCA-Kids’ Games

Blue Regional Jail-Free School Supplies

COVA Care

Dark Leaf Farm

Appomattox 4-H

Appomattox County Library-Kids’ Games

Kids Books by Moms in Prayer Group

Mann’s Karate-Karate Demonstration