Becker’s Night to Unite (formerly National Night Out) is an annual event when neighbors throughout the city (state and country) gather to get to know one another and promote community safety.

 

Hot dogs, burgers, fruits, salads, potato chips, ice cream, children's games, toys, tattoos and decorated tables filled with nourishment were all part of Tuesday’s event under a cloudless, warm sky.

Numerous families gathered on their streets and sidewalks to enjoy picnic-style festivities while showing solidarity in their community.

 

“We spread the news about our block event by word of mouth and hand-written invites,” said Tim Boucher and his wife Sarah, who live on Garden Drive.

 

“This is our first year hosting this and we wanted to do it to get people together, learn who we all are.”

 

Becker police and fire personnel manned their squad cars and trucks and rode through the city and townships with lights on  and horns blaring. Accompanying them were city council members, some staff and Mayor Tracy Bertram.

 

They visited five neighborhood gatherings as well as Kolbinger Park — where dozens of families and friends congregated for a meal, games, visits and a chance to ride the “drunk goggles” course under the supervision of a couple Becker PD officers.

 

Chris Hill of Becker and his daughter took turns riding the golf carts “while impaired”, making for some jocularity for all those watching.

 

Kids received stickers, tattoos, frisbees, pens, crayons, plastic hard hats, police badge stickers, sunglasses, pizza cutters, keychains and fidget spinners donated by the Becker Police Dept. 

 

Mayor Bertram stopped by to visit people at the park and hand out wristbands and stickers to the youth. She and the band of police and fire officials had just arrive at the park after visiting with residents at Woodbriar — Autumn Ridge. Many people approached police and fire members and thanked them for their service.

 

The evening began for the law enforcement and fire members at Woodbriar senior apartments where they visited with the elderly while they enjoyed a simple meal. From there, the entourage headed to Kolbinger Park, then Garden Drive, Monroe Drive, 17th Avenue and 39th Avenue in the matter of two hours. 

 

Kolbinger Park was brimming with activity where kids could entertain themselves on the playground equipment or bounce around in the bouncy castle, play bean bag toss or even play ladderball. 

 

“This is such a good event that allows people to get out and get to know their neighbors,” said Police Chief Baloun. “The purpose is to enure we all have safer neighborhoods.”

 

Sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/ Iowa and the Becker Police Dept., Night to Unite is designed to help celebrate and strengthen neighborhoods and communities through partnerships with residents, city officials and law enforcement.