Charles City PD, other responders ready for National Night Out

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Police Department is treating the community to a night out tonight for the annual National Night Out event.

From 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Central Park, the police will have a variety of free games and activities to enjoy. Kids can partake in inflatables and face painting, along with riding on the McDonald’s train or playing water ball with the Charles City Fire Department.

First responders from police, fire, and EMS will be on hand to showcase their tools and vehicles for the evening, with a special demonstration from the Iowa State Patrol, who will be bringing a seatbelt machine to show the importance of buckling up by allowing people to simulate a minor vehicle collision.

A free hotdog meal will be provided by Fareway and Hy-Vee, with Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home sponsoring the live DJ and more.

To help get kids and parents ready for school, there will be both a shoe giveaway from United Way and a backpack giveaway from St. John’s Church and Zoetis, providing kids with footwear and school supplies for the upcoming school year.

The Hy-Vee Wellness RV will also be on hand to offer health services.

National Night Out is an annual event designed to foster relationships between law enforcement and their communities. In Charles City, the event is organized by Officer Duane Ollendick, who is hoping for good weather and a good crowd to come out to enjoy everything that has been set up for the evening.

“We’ll have multiple booths throughout the park,” said Ollendick. “I’m excited to see the seatbelt machine. I haven’t seen it in action before.”