Grayson folks will gather at the United Community Center for a family-oriented night, while Patterson neighbors will gather for block parties. Both towns will have visits from Patterson Police Services, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District and the Patterson District Ambulance Co. beginning at 6 p.m.
National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen communities by encouraging neighbors to build stronger relationships with each other and with local emergency personnel. The event aims to bring attention to crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs, and send a message that neighborhoods are organized and want to fight against crime.
In Patterson, a caravan of public safety personnel will stop by predetermined locations in town to share neighborhood concerns.
“Patterson will not be victimized any longer because education and information sharing will help bring an end to crime in our community,” said Deputy Casey Hill of Patterson Police Services, who is coordinating the Patterson event. “In these difficult fiscal times, every citizen needs to participate in the prevention of crime and assist public safety officials in keeping our streets safe.”
He urged residents to attend and get to know their public safety personnel.
Meanwhile, the Grayson event will kick off at 6 p.m. with a hot dog and soda meal. Information booths will line the walls of the community center. A disc jockey will play music throughout the evening as folkloric dancers perform and families gather to visit with firefighters and law enforcement. Children can play on a bouncing bin sponsored by the Police Activities League. An deputy and a dog from the sheriff’s department’s K-9 unit also have been invited.
“This event has been growing strong and bigger in Grayson for a while now,” said Maricela Vela, president of the Grayson Community Services District. “Last year, we had a fire engine that threw water out to a grassy area in the field and the kids loved it. It seems to get bigger and better every year.”
• Contact Maddy Houk at 892-6187, ext. 22 or maddy@pattersonirrigator.com
The owner of Party Time Rentals, a Grayson resident, generously donated the bouncing jumper for the Grayson National Night Out. Our sincere thanks to you for partnering with the organizers of National Night Out in helping make this night a success and so much fun for the kids.
Look forward to seeing you all there!