Music, food, demos to highlight, ‘National Night Out!’

After a successful first year of participating in the “National Night Out” festivities in 2017, Minneota will feature the event again this year. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the St. Edward's School parking lot from 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

National Night Out is a free event that is open to the public.

It began 35 years ago as a way to promote police-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie, while making a community a safer place to live. Included in the night’s festivities are several stations with food, demonstrations, educational opportunities for home and school, activities and prizes.

“The root of National Night Out is to promote strong bonds between the city and county agencies that protect and serve, and all members of the community to prevent crime,” said Steph Vlaminck, who is coordinating the event with Abby Thostenson and Amie Ascheman.

“In Minneota, our group is hoping to accomplish this and make sure everyone has a lot of fun doing so.”

The Broken Oak, a folk duo featuring Marshall natives Jake Moravetz and Mark Colvin will be performing from 6-8 p.m.

The Broken Oak recently performed during the Music in the Park event last Thursday night in Veterans Park and was such a hit that they were asked to play during National Night Out.

The Council of Catholic Women (CCW) will be serving walking tacos at the event for a “free will” donation.

The “Pie Ladies” of St. Edward’s will again be selling a variety of homemade pies, either whole or by the slice, as well as various-flavored crisps.

Farmers Co-op Association has donated “freezies” to be given out at the event. Minneota Police Department intern Austin Thompson will be hosting a bicycle rodeo during the event.

Kids will have a chance to win bike helmets and reflectors that are being donated by the Southwest District of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). The Minneota Fire Department will offer a giant Slip 'n Slide that is available to kids and adults, so those attending are urged to bring their swimsuits.

The FFA will be hosting a petting zoo with several animals on hand for children to learn about and to interact with. Kids can also get their faces painted from the Minneota Boxelder Bug Days royalty.

There will also be a “Dollars for Scholars” informational booth for those wishing to learn more about the program or to give a donation.

North Memorial Ambulance Service will be available for demonstrations and to answer questions. There will also be an emergency helicopter fly-in from 5:30-6:15 p.m., weather and/or an unexpected emergency permitting, for those wishing to see and learn about the workings of an emergency helicopter.

Sanford Health of Canby will be giving free posture screens. Posture affects breathing, muscle growth, mobility and when it is asymmetrical (one side of the body is used more than the other), it can cause a range of pain conditions and health problems.

Laura Mellentin, the Lyon County Emergency Coordinator, will have an informational booth at the event. National Night Out is becoming increasingly popular across communities in all 50 states, U.S. Territories, cities in Canada, and even military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday of each August.

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Minneota, MN 56264

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