LAKEPORT, Calif. – Hundreds of community members came out to the city of Lakeport's annual “National Night Out” event on Tuesday, which was a chance for police and city officials to connect in a fun and informal atmosphere with area residents.
Several blocks of N. Main Street north of 16th Street, in one of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods, were closed to traffic in order to host the block party.
Joining the city of Lakeport staff and Lakeport Police were the Lakeport Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, local ham radio operators and the Boy Scouts, with the Lakeport Kiwanis Club barbecuing hot dogs – the supplies of which ran out twice – and handing out sno-cones, popcorn and water.
McGruff the Crime Dog and Chipper from the CHP mingled with visitors of all ages, while children lined up for face painting as well as balloon sculptures from Fill-Up the Clown, and played games at various booths.
There was a bike rodeo and decorating contest for children, and raffles for children and adults. Two youngsters won brand new bikes and helmets donated by Main Street Bicycles.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said he was very pleased with Tuesday's turnout.
He estimated that about 200 people – possibly more – enjoyed the evening's festivities.
National Night Out has been part of the Lakeport Police's continuing community policing work, which includes connecting and creating relationships with city residents.
Several of Rasmussen's officers and staff, as well as the agency's intern, were on hand to meet with visitors.
As part of the event, Rasmussen held a brief swearing-in for the department's newest police officer, Mark Steele.
The Tuesday event was the third National Night Out that the city of Lakeport has hosted.
The city began holding the events in 2013. The last event was in 2014, as the 2015 event had to be canceled due to last summer's wildland fires.
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