‘Night Out’ for better police and community relations

National Night Out, designed to promote better police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, is coming to Minneota on Aug. 1. St. Edward School will be hosting “National Night Out” beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event will include stations with food, activities for kids, demonstrations, prizes, and educational opportunities for home and school. The food stand is sponsored by CCW and SHIP.

Activities such as a bouncy house and an obstacle course will be sponsored by PEACE. Other sponsors include the Minneota Fire Department, Minneota Police Department, Sanford of Canby and Prairie Winds Wellness.

“There will also be an opportunity to learn more about local road race events and the Minneota Trail system,” said Jessica Anderson, who is one of six committee members that also includes Emily Hennen, Nikki Traen, Shannon Gossen, Jaci Garvey and Sara Gorecki.

“This event is a great way to connect with a national event and celebrate the community level. We decided to do a National Night Out event to provide a community focused event that appeals to a broad audience.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. This is the first year Minneota has participated in National Night Out.

“(Police Chief) Bill Bolt will be focusing on bike safety and general traffic rules,” said Anderson.

“The Fire Department will have a station that will focus on fire safety.”

Also, Dr. Stephanie Vlaminck of Prairie Winds Wellness in Minneota will be demonstrating proper backpack fitting and wearing.

If you allow Dr. Vlaminck to check your backpack, you can enter a drawing to win back-to-school prizes.

“No kids or backpack? Come anyway and answer questions and you can also enter to win,” Vlaminck.

“Sanford will be focusing on concussion awareness, including demonstrations.”

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August each year.

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

National Night Out is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.