Summer is here, and with it comes delicious barbecue, ice cold drinks and a time-honored tradition. The first Tuesday in August marks the 31st Annual National Night Out, the yearly event hosted by our local Boulder City Police Department.
National Night Out is an event that takes place all across America in cities both large and small. What started out as a small local event, has since grown and swept the country; communities and municipalities in all fifty states, American territories, Canadian Cities and Military bases across the globe including 15,000 communities and 37 million volunteers now celebrate this night out.
The event is promoted by the National Association of Town Watch. The first National Night Out took place back in 1984. What started as an attempt to promote crime prevention programs (such as neighborhood watch groups) has since grown into an educational program bridging the gap between civilians and law enforcement agencies. National Night Out's goal is to teach citizens about their law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention agencies, as well as local businesses, civic groups and individuals devoted to helping create a safer community.
National Night Out is geared to give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with all of your local public servants. You are highly encouraged to talk to them and ask them all questions in an effort to bridge the gap between strangers and friends to create a deeper sense of community.
Boulder City has a strong reputation of providing safe and entertaining fun for the whole family, and National Night Out is no exception. The night kicks off at 6pm at the Veterans Memorial Park fields, with local police departments, fire departments, and EMS agencies giving small tours around the apparatus used by each agency on a daily basis. The list of agencies in attendance hasn't yet been finalized; however, it is expected that the Hoover Dam Police Department, National Park Service, Boulder City Fire Department, Henderson Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol and Mercy Air will be in attendance. In years past, agencies such as Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Metro SWAT, ATF, Division of Forestry, Lake Mead Fire and EMS, Community Ambulance, and Medic West Ambulance companies have all participated.
There will be jump houses, rock climbing walls and other fun games for the kids to participate in. This year will also see the return of the famous dunk tank. Step right up to take your chance at dunking some of Boulder City's finest police officers, city council members and the mayor!
Of course, the night would not be National Night Out without the famous Boulder City Police Department versus Boulder City Fire Department softball game. The game will start at 6pm and runs concurrent with all other events. Last year, the Fire Department came out with their game faces on and showed everyone who has the true athletic skills. Though, in years past, the Police Department (with or without the help of some Henderson Police Department ringers) have won their fair share of the games. This game is entertaining to say the least! There will be lots of zings and gags on both sides of the field as this growing and friendly rivalry continues.
Every year, there are multiple businesses from both Boulder City and Henderson who come out to support the event. Charles Lawson, owner of PDQ Printing, will be donating all of the banners and printings for the event, including jerseys and hats for the softball game. There will be lots of free BBQ food and drinks donated by Albertsons. Jack's Place has volunteered to do all of the barbecuing. Additionally, Urban Jungle Contractors donate their time and equipment for all of the banner placement on non-City buildings.
National Night Out would not be possible without the dedication and support from all of the City Departments, specifically Electric, Parks and Recreation and the Streets Division.
This is a great event for the community. I hope to see you all there! Bring the family, bring your friends, bring your dog, but most of all, bring a smile on your face and capitalize on a great opportunity to meet some of your local heroes. |
