National Night Out: An Event Designed to Help Build Community

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign held on the first Tuesday in August across the U.S. It promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to enhance safety and unity. Events include block parties, cookouts, parades, and activities like flashlight walks, often involving local law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations. 

I was unaware that the event was started in 1984. I think I became aware of it only a few years ago. Its aim is to foster trust, reduce crime, and strengthen neighborhood bonds. Millions participate in thousands of communities, with events tailored to local needs, encouraging residents to connect and engage.

The photos on this page capture moments in Solway Township, where we live, and Grand Lake, where the church I attend is located.

Firetruck "Control Panel" -- gauges and nozzle noses.

Everbody loves the alpacas Horst & Loni bring to share.

Trivia

Solway Township is just under 36 sq. miles. (6 by 6)

As of 2023 we had 1,971 residents.

San Francisco is just under 47 sq. miles. (7 by 7)

As of 2024, SF has a population of 827,526.

Think about it.

National Night Out In Solway

Horst, the man who manages our recycle center, raises alpaca.
His wife knits products with their wool. They brought three
for the kids to see and enjoy.

Did you participate in Tuesday's National Night Out? I decided to see what was shakin' here in our neighborhood. Community leaders organized a Solway Township event at the Munger Town Hall, which is located on the corner of Highway 2 and Munger Shaw Road across the street from the Munger Tavern.

There was live music, free food (hot dogs, chips, cookies, ice cream), a few classic cars, some animals and rides for kids. The volunteer fire department had its trucks and equipment on display. And even a representative from the county's sheriff department was on hand for a bit.

Here's an interesting comparison/contrast. The Solway Township is nearly a square six miles long by six miles wide, just under 36 sq. miles. As of 2018 it had a population of less than 2,000. By way of contrast, San Francisco has a land area just under seven by seven square miles. Its population is 874,000. 

This is the invitation we received.

For even more mind-bending numbers compare Solway to Manhattan. Manhattan is only 22 miles square but they house almost twice as many people as SF. When you compare these three communities it's mind boggling. Solway has zero crime. (Or it seems that way.) No homeless people die on our rural streets. There's never been a riot here. It's pretty quiet here. 

So National Night Out was a big event. Here are some photos. If you're weary of being afraid of vandalism or carjackings in your big city and want to move here, I believe we still have room for you. 

The kiddies had fun on this "train ride." 
Fire hall and recycle center in background.

Why are fire engines red?

First responder vehicle.

Young firefighters learn how to hold and aim a hose.

I should have taken photos of the crowd because it was a nice turnout. I got into a couple discussions about our biggest community issue right now: mail delivery has been spotty lately. 

Did you celebrate with your neighbors last night? Did you learn anything new? 

Let the sunshine in.