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.

Santa Claus is coming to the Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm!

Just around the corner from us is a very cool alpaca farm called Frosty Ridge Alpacas. When our grandkids were here this summer we stopped over there and the kids got to feed alpacas. It was a "meet and greet" type of event and fun.

This past week I learned that even Santa Claus likes to stop by to feed the alpacas, so I'm sending this out to invite everyone with children, or who is still a child at heart, to come out on December 10 or 17 and see Santa Claus. I do not know if he will have his reindeer, but I do know that lots of alpaca there will be happy to see Santa and children can enjoy Santa's visit as well... 

The people who own Frosty Ridge are Loni (rhymes with Tony) and Horst Blumerich. If you live in Solway you may already know Horst. He's the fellow with the thick German accent who manages the Recycle Center by the Munger Fire Station and Town Hall. 

In addition to the farm they have a gift shop where they sell yarn, hats, scarves, sweaters ad other alpaca related products. Loni will share the benefits of alpaca over other kinds of fabric, and very likely offer you some hot chocolate.

Sometime soon I will tell the story of how Frosty Ridge Alpacas came to be, but for now, I simply want to help get the word out that Santa Claus is coming!

Frosty Ridge is a stone's throw from Hermantown on Maple Grove Road. It's very easy to get here. If you come through Proctor, you can drive out Highway 2. When you get to the Midway Road light, go north (right) till you come to the roundabout. Go around the circle and head west. You will pass three roads (Susie and I live on the Sandberg Road that spears off to the left) and when you go up that next hill start to slow and the the alpaca farm entrance will be on your right. There are signs on both sides of the road, so you shouldn't have a problem.  If you pass the Caribou Lake Road you went too far.

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.