by Dennis Dalman
For the first time ever the perennially popular “Sartell National Night Out” will take place at the Sartell Community Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.
The event is hosted by the Sartell Fire Department and the Sartell Police Department, and their members will socialize with residents and give safety tips and demonstrations.
All residents are welcome to attend, but they are being asked not to bring their pets because the police K-9 dogs will be present.
There will be music, children’s activities (including a bounce house), free hot dogs and movie shown outdoors at dusk.
Neighborhoods that have hosted National Night Out events in the past are still encouraged to do so if they prefer, and they should notify police department so an officer can be at the neighborhood event.
Throughout the years, the National Night Out event has become more popular in Sartell and in other cities. The event is a nationwide annual campaign that promotes police-fire department community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
It helps build a mutual trust among neighbors and public-safety officials – police officers and firefighters.
That kind of mutual trust and caring has proven to result in safer neighborhoods. It raises residents’ awareness and creates solidarity against crime and other dangers.
The event was started in 1984 in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Penn. Since then it has quickly grown to become a national tradition throughout the nation.
It officially takes place on Aug. 6 every year, but some cities and neighbors vary that date based on convenience and their needs.
