National Night Out at St. Edward’s
If something is successful, there's no reason not to continue it. That's why National Night Out in Minneota will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 in the St. Edward's School parking lot. National Night Out is a free event instigated nationally 36 years ago as a way to promote law enforcement/community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie. Minneota joined the event in 2017 and the local event has been successful as evidenced by the large turnouts each of the past two years.
"National Night Out is important because it is a time for community members to come out and come together to raise awareness for crime prevention and to learn ways that individuals play a role in keeping our community and its residents safe," said Steph Vlaminck, who is coordinating the event along with Amie Ascheman and Shannon Gossen.
"We, in Minneota, like to promote not only safety, but also health and support for as many of the community and school groups as we are able to. Everything works better when we work as a team and we hope to facilitate making those connections."
Both the Minneota Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff's Department will be on hand during the event. The event will feature numerous food, activities, demonstrations, educational opportunities, entertainment and prizes.
The Council of Catholic Women (CCW) will again be serving a free-will walking taco supper, and the St. Edward's "Pie Ladies" will be selling a variety of homemade pies by the slice and various-flavored crisps. Farmers Co-op Association will be giving away free freeze-pops at the event. The Nordland Top Notchers 4-H will have a free-will offering popcorn stand to raise money for its group. And Universal Forest Products is donating bottles of water.
Children will also enjoy the FFA petting zoo, as well as having their face painted by the Boxelder Bug Days royalty, the inflatable maze sponsored by EDA, or the Minneota Fire Department's "kid-friendly" water fights. Runchey, Louwagie and Wellman Law Firm of Marshall will also have a table at the event with games to play. North Memorial Ambulance and the Minneota First Responders will have its rigs there to view and personnel will answer any questions.
"North Memorial is also hoping to have the helicopter come in again, weather and availability pending," said Vlaminck. Sanford Health of Canby is again planning to be at the event, with its physical therapy personnel working with balance.
And Dollars for Scholars will have a booth set up and will be handing out pencils and chocolate. Other possible events and demonstrations are currently in the planning stages.
"We would like to thank the area groups and businesses that have donated time, talent and financial support," said Vlaminck.