Tues., Aug. 6, was celebrated as Night to Unite. The event is almost identical to National Night Out, however Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association and other Minnesota organizations.
The concept is the same, “Night to Unite (National Night Out) is a statewide event that builds and fosters community bonds between citizens, businesses, and public safety organizations, such as the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office. This annual celebration gathers neighborhoods and public safety personnel together to promote safer communities.”
Big Lake
Members of the Big Lake Police Dept., Big Lake Fire Dept., and Emergency Services, as well as city officials visited local residents. Chief of Police John Kaczmarek, Mayor Paul Knier and Council Member Kim Noding attended a gathering at Big Lake Estates. Also on hand were a BL Police Cruiser, a BLPD Critical Incident vehicle, and more importantly, a fire truck. Children and adults were allowed to explore and sit in them along with members of BLPD and BLFD.
The event was hosted by Jody Breaux and Todd Nelson, who said they organized the event to meet their neighbors and to have get together. Laurie Vonthrost, Therese Thillin, and Cole Lindberg expressed that same sentiment. Lindberg was just getting his mail when he noticed the gathering and decided to join the festivities. The menu was a pot luck of hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and an assortment of cookies and bars.
A bounce house was busy in the corner of the picnic area full of kids screaming with excitement, but nothing was more exciting than the fire truck. Michael Houts and Ryan Lien, from the BLFD, saw the excitement first-hand.
“Their faces light up when they get in the truck,” Houts said.
“They light up because our faces still light up when we get in,” said Lien.
Becker
Members of the Becker Police Dept., Becker Fire Dept., and Emergency Services visited local residents, as well as city officials. Police Chief Brent Baloun, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Work, Mayor Tracy Bertram and all members of the Becker City Council, and city officials toured Becker events.
They were present at Denise Fowler’s house. Fowler likes to get to know her neighbors and meet those who have just moved in. Night to Unite was just another reason for her and her neighbors to get together. A fire engine was present for the children to explore.
Everyone brought something to eat. The menu consisted of pulled pork, salads, and bars. Neighbor Toby Erdman brought a neighborhood favorite, Walley Ceviche, a dish of fish and citrus. Fowler said, “Everyone loves it.”
The caravan of Becker police, fire and city council later moved to an event hosted by Andy and Sharon Lee. It was their first time hosting the event. They did it because they really wanted to connect with their neighbors. Lee estimated that as of 6:30 p.m., 30 of the 50 people he had invited had already attended. They gathered and ate hot dogs, sloppy joes, cowboy beans, coleslaw, and chips.
Most importantly, they got to connect with neighbors and friends.
Santiago
A huge crowd gathered together and visited with their neighbors in Santiago last week. The theme of the event was ‘Neighbors Joining Together’.
Scrumptious food including brats, hot dogs and desserts were served. Everyone was entered into a drawing and many wonderful prizes were awarded. Santiago Lions coordinate the annual event and provided food and prizes.
