The Hunter Lake Bluffs neighborhood in Clear Lake held their fifth annual National Night Out event Tuesday, with approximately 40 residents coming out to take part.

 

Begun in 1984, National Night Out is an annual event that promotes neighborhood camaraderie and police-community partnerships to help make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. On the first Tuesday in August communities across the U.S. host block parties, parades, cookouts and other events with safety demonstrations, exhibits, visits from emergency personnel and more.

 

Held at the new Hunter Lake Bluffs temporary park, the event featured a potluck meal, community and safety information from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept. and a fire truck and fire and rescue vehicle from the Clear Lake Fire Dept., both of which were open for attendees to get up close.

 

Guests included Sgt. Ben Zawaki from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept., Captain Chad Koren from the Clear Lake Fire Dept., Clear Lake Firefighter Kari Mechtel and Clear Lake Mayor Tim Goenner.

 

The Hunter Lake Bluffs National Night Out was begun by neighborhood resident Kristin Brandt, who continues to organize the function each year.

 

“I grew up in a small town where everybody knew each other, and I wanted to create that sense of community here,” said Brandt as to why she started the event. “We’re a fairly young neighborhood and we wanted to get to know one another so we can watch out for each other’s kids.”

 

She said turnout has continued to grow with each event, and she’s thankful emergency responders were able to start attending three years ago.

 

“We try to revolve around safety each year,” explained Brandt. “The sheriff’s department brings information to share and last year the kids created first aid kits.”

 

She has an official neighborhood connection to the county, who provides them with pertinent information whenever it comes out and she keeps in contact with Hunter Lake Bluffs residents through Facebook and their neighborhood ‘Nextdoor’ app. 

 

“I think it’s important to know each other, especially when there’s a crisis,” said Brandt. “As neighborhoods grow in today’s fast-paced world this night helps remind people to slow down and get to know each other.”

 

For more information on National Night Out or to learn how to start a neighborhood event, visit natw.org.