In this week’s phone conversation with Deputy Police Chief Bryan Schowalter, we discuss National
Night Out and the events planned throughout the Hastings community.
We’re nearing the end of July, Showalter. Can you believe it?
“I know summer seems to disappear every year. It’s shorter and shorter.”
It sure does. You know, it’s like a flip book, but you know August also kicks off with National Night Out, which is happening August 4. Can we talk about the importance of this event?
“Certainly, certainly. You know, for us, it’s a great opportunity to meet the public, have an opportunity for the kids to see some of our equipment. Ask us questions. The fire department is there. We have other community partners there, and usually there’s a lot of games going on and bounce houses and a great opportunity for everyone to interact.”
For a National Night Out, the city is not taking registrations for neighborhood blocks anymore. That is closed. However, there will be a community block party at Lions Park for all to attend. Now, for anyone who hasn’t attended a community block party, what can they expect?
“You know, the most exciting part for everybody who comes to the Lions Park event is the helicopter. So, for the last five years, we’ve been able to secure the State Patrol helicopter, which will actually come and land in the middle of the soccer fields at Lions Park. That’s the main attraction. Everybody runs down, tries to get a look at it, opportunity to chat with the state patrol pilot, ask him questions about his job and what he does, we do have our request in again this year, so we’re really hoping to make the list to get the helicopter back.
But outside of that, we have drawings, we have games, we have hot dogs, chips, and water. We typically have some sort of dessert, which is either bars or cookies or something along those lines, and just a great time to interact with your neighbors, the community as a whole, as well as the police and fire departments. So it’s usually very well attended and a great success. The only time we ever see a dip in our attendance numbers is when we have storms moving in, or it’s just crazy hot. I think a few years ago, we had a mid-’90s day, so that dipped the numbers a little bit. But it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get out and interact with each other.”
What is a highlight for you during National Night Out?
“You know, the highlight is actually the games. We have so many kids that come out and play games with the officers. They play games with each other, and then the drawings afterwards. So, for me, it’s just the opportunity to hang out with the kids, answer their questions, and give them an opportunity to see us, chat with us, and then climb on some of our equipment.”
Is there anything else you want to share about National Night Out?
“If you are a member of one of the block parties, I think I would have to double-check, but I believe there’s 13 block parties this year. But if you are a member of those, you can expect a police officer and a fire engine of some sort coming to every one of the block parties. So, if you registered early enough and got on the list, you should have a good turnout for those as well. So, that’s one thing to keep in mind for future years. If your neighborhood wants to put together a block party, just go on the city website, register, and we will add you to the list, and we’ll visit your neighborhood as well.”
A link to information about the Hastings National Night Out community block party and neighborhood block parties is available in this report at KDWA.com.
[Click the soundbite to listen to the report.]