LAKEPORT— Library Park on Tuesday saw the return of the National Night Out event after a two year break due to the pandemic. The event was very family oriented, providing everything at no cost. There were free hot dogs, popcorn, Hawaiian ice and a large raffle in which the Lakeport Police Department gave away over 90 prizes including bikes, Razor scooters, helmets, fishing poles with tackle boxes, backpacks, gift cards, and even a kayak.
The National Night Out is presented by the Lakeport Police Department and is held annually on the first Tuesday of October. According to the National Night Out website natw.org the event is “A national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.”
At the event, local law enforcement agencies including the Lakeport Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and the Lakeport Fire District set up interactive booths to meet and greet the public alongside local family resource organizations such as the Lakeport Unified School District, Tribal Health, Agency on Aging, Red Cross, Animal Care and Control, and many others.
Each organization provided important information, swag bags, and free raffle tickets as well as games and treats to engage with the county’s youth. Mascots Scruff McGruff, Chipper, Smokey the Bear and Safety Pup were posing for photos and kids lined up for free face painting by Chayo. Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said, “It’s a community building event to help people get out and build relationships with local resources.”
With help from their numerous sponsors the Lakeport Police Department was able to fund this free event at no cost to the department. It was a true community effort as the Lakeport Kiwanis Club grilled and served hundreds of hot dogs, the Lakeport Cinema donated movie theatre popcorn, and the Kelseyville Girl Scouts served lemonade and Hawiian ice. Student volunteers Abby Delgado and Cynthia Onate worked the Lakeport police department booth handing out more raffle tickets and filling balloons for everyone. Raffle prizes were donated from local businesses including Konocti Bicycles, Suzy Q’s Donuts, Throckmorton Jones, Renee’s Cafe, Skylark Shores, and the list goes on. Tim Barnes provided musical entertainment with his DJ services and also announced the many raffle winners alongside Chief Rasmussen and Lakeport City Mayor Stacey Mattina.
Rasmussen said, “The more we work with the public the more we can keep the community safe. We can’t police without public assistance.” Rasmussen further explained how much better they can patrol and especially conduct investigations when there is an existing familial relationship with the public, and added that after being isolated through these past two years of the pandemic, the community response was nothing short of positive.
More information on the National Night Out can be found on the organizations website natw.org and also the Lakeport Police Department’s FaceBook page.
