“The event has great attendance. Usually between 1,000-2,000-plus people attend the event every year,” said Sgt. Caisee Sandusky, one of the main organizers of the event.

The event takes place the first Tuesday in August annually, a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen community ties and foster partnerships between neighborhoods, first responders, law enforcement, military and businesses.

Hosted by the Minot Police Department with support from Minot Air Force Base and local fire departments, the event created an inviting atmosphere for families and neighbors to meet the people behind the badges. The event was free to the community and everything was run by volunteers.

Among the biggest attractions were the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Razor ATV brought by the Minot AFB 5th Security Forces Squadron.

Event attendees watch and try a dunking booth run by law enforcement at the National Night Out held in Minot’s Oak Park Tuesday, Aug. 5.

The event featured a “touch-a-truck” experience, giving children a chance to explore police cruisers, fire engines and military vehicles. Children were allowed and encouraged to try on safety/tactical gear with Officer Alexander Harrington of the Minot SWAT Team. There were also safety demonstrations, giveaways and booths hosted by local organizations promoting community health and preparedness.

While children lined up to honk horns and test sirens, adults engaged in relaxed conversations with first responders and law enforcement. The evening included food vendors, upbeat music and activities designed to turn learning into fun.

National Night Out has been a tradition in Minot for more than a decade, according to local organizers of the event. Held annually across thousands of communities nationwide, National Night Out is part of a larger initiative that was originally launched in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Now, it is primarily funded and organized by the National Association of Town Watch, and the list of sponsors keeps rising. It was created to promote crime prevention awareness, neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.