RACHEL RAVINA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Guests relax in the shade as they enjoy live entertainment and musical stylings from the George and Pat Bilenki Duo on Aug. 3 during the 11th annual Berlin Peach Festival. Berlin’s Mayor and Council praised the success of the festival and Berlin’s National Night Out during a meeting last Monday evening.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Aug. 22, 2019) Berlin’s Mayor and Council praised the outcomes of National Night Out and the Peach Festival at their meeting last week.

Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing said between 1,500 and 2,000 people attended the town’s National Night Out on Aug. 6 at Dr. William Henry Park on Flower Street.

Numerous county, state, town, and religious organizations had booths, which Downing said was a big part of its success.

“I think that’s the big part,” he said. “Everybody has that buy-in and being a part of it.”

Additionally, Downing said that 300 backpacks were distributed to children.

Town Administrator Laura Allen also praised the efforts of the event’s organizer, Officer Claude Holland.

“I think that the work that he did in organizing National Night Out was exceptional,” Allen said.

Councilman Elroy Brittingham agreed.

“They did such a great job, and it was a great [turnout], and I even stayed ‘til the end and helped the police department take the tents down. I think I stayed too long,” Brittingham said with a chuckle.

Mayor Gee Williams also commended area law enforcement.

“It was kind of a hot evening, but it was amazing, and, please, just on behalf of the mayor and council, we thank you very much, and we look forward to many more,” Williams said.

Williams and Downing also praised the Berlin Peach Festival at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on Main Street.

Throngs of people flocked to the area to hear live music, to shop and eat and peach-based treats.

Williams said he appreciated how the event brings residents and visitors to the town’s stores and restaurants.

“I know we had good weather, and that’s always a factor in any event we have, but I want to thank the [Berlin] Heritage Foundation for not only the work they did in preparing this year, but building a reputation and an experience that’s become so important to the town,” Williams said.