National Night Out is looming just around the corner, and Escalon Police are seeking sign-ups from residents to participate in the event.
Hosted every first Tuesday of August, this year’s date is Aug. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Police Services Manager Dorothy Vandagriff said she has four groups registered so far to participate. Those already signed up include the Saron Lutheran Church, a Colombard Court group, Mission Street and a group on Silverwood.
Typically, Escalon has anywhere from six to eight locations putting on the ‘Night Out’ festivities in their neighborhoods, with the night designed as a way to ‘take back’ the community from crime and drugs.
Across the nation, the first Tuesday in August is celebrated as National Night Out each year and it is a time when friends and neighbors are encouraged to gather outside their homes, in their neighborhoods, to show a unified force and get to know everyone in the area.
Escalon Police, Escalon City, Escalon Fire and Escalon Community Ambulance personnel all usually join in, riding in a caravan from gathering to gathering, spending some time at each neighborhood event.
Vandagriff said residents can decide on a theme and menu, with the caravan stopping at each location for a chance to visit with residents. It’s a good time for interaction with city officials and emergency personnel, getting the opportunity to visit with them in the informal setting. Last year, several members of the group rode on the eTrans bus to visit all the stops and Vandagriff said she believes that will be available this year as well. In addition, a long line of police cruisers, fire trucks and city vehicles makes its way through the streets that evening, arriving at the different stops with lights and sirens.
There is still time to get on the list, said Vandagriff. Neighborhoods host barbecues, pot lucks, ice cream socials and more, with the Saron Lutheran Church event also featuring a water slide and music.
To get more information or sign up to host a neighborhood National Night Out gathering, contact Vandagriff at the police department, 691-7301.
