Kids and adults enjoyed a casual evening at the Clearwater Village apartments just off the Aiken-Augusta Highway on Tuesday.
The Aiken County Sheriff's Department has participated in the event for several years as a community project. The program is organized each year to observe National Night Out, which started in the U.S. and Canada more than 30 years ago.
"We've been coming for a long time," said Sheriff Michael Hunt. "It helps get the neighbors to learn about one another and the community. We have a fire truck and one of our dogs and are just mingling with everybody and having good fellowship."
Kids got to try on the firefighter uniforms and sit in the fire truck. A few chose to visit Chase, a friendly tracker dog. They also enjoyed hot dogs and sweets from volunteers and received balloons from Donna Jean - the "Balloon Queen."
Eliza Mosley, Clearwater Village's resident services coordinator, set up the event and even donned a hard hat to climb up on the fire truck to welcome people and give out prizes. Prize sponsors included McDonald's, Bi-Lo, Bobby's BBQ, Bruster's Ice Cream, the Clearwater First Baptist Church and the Midway Grill.
"It's a lot of work and a lot of fun, too," said Mosley. "I love doing it, and it's one day we can get all our residents and other people together for fellowship."
Deputy Don Henry has visited the schools since 1998 and, in recent years has served as School Resource Officer - except for a deployment with the National Guard.
Currently, Henry is an SRO at Midland Valley High School. He greeted younger children and gave them school supplies. He also exchanged a high five with Rachel Moment, a Midland Valley senior.
"I like coming here and hanging out with a family member," Moment said. "It's really fun for the little kids with the balloons and the firetruck, and fun even if you're older."
Senior writer Rob Novit has been with the newspaper since September 2001.
He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.