Before the heat really kicked in toward the end of last week, residents of Escalon had the chance to enjoy the 2025 edition of National Night Out, observed on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
There were six official National Night Out gatherings around the city, and all were visited by the large caravan of Escalon city, police, fire and ambulance personnel, many city officials aboard the eTrans bus and the first responders in a variety of fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances.
After the various agency representatives gathered at the police station on McHenry for a review of the night’s schedule, they set out – with lights and sirens – for the neighborhood stops.
The group first went to Saron Lutheran Church on North Street, then to Oakwood, followed by stops on Winterbrook, Valdapena Court, Palomino Court and they closed out the evening in the 900 block of California.
Each location offered roughly 25 minutes for eating and socializing, with National Night Out scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“We actually in some ways prefer less stops so we can spend more time with individuals and not just sort of eat and run, but get to actually interact with them, introduce ourselves, answer any questions they have,” noted City Manager Jaylen French. “It’s good to see people in a different venue, we deal a lot with concerns and questions and comments and this is a chance to interact on something not strictly business … to enjoy a little fellowship and get to know each other on a different level.”
For Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker, it was also a night to focus on meeting the community in the casual, fun atmosphere.
“I love to see everybody out and participating, and just showing how much love they have for our first responders and for their neighbors,” Walker said. “It does remind me of when I was young and you’d go outside and see all your neighbors and know everybody and come together. I hope that this inspires people to do it more throughout the year.”
From tacos and barbecue to ice cream being served up, there were also lots of giveaway items from the various departments, such as firefighter hats, police badge stickers, small footballs, pencils and more. The general feel of the night was one of camaraderie, as families poured out of their homes to meet members of the caravan and reconnect with neighbors.
Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Joe Pelot said it is always a good evening to share with residents of the city.
“Just getting out with the community,” he said, “I mean, usually we see everybody when they’re having their worst day and when we get to come out (to National Night Out) everyone is just having fun and smiling and having a good time. The kids love seeing the fire engines and the parents love seeing the kids play in the fire engines; we’re all little kids at heart.”
