Lake Mills once again to host gathering in Oakwood Park

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.
By now, most people in the area are familiar with the concept of National Night Out, as described above on their event website. What started out in large communities, where the level of trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve was in need of repair, has in recent years, expanded to smaller communities such as Lake Mills, and has involved more public service agencies than just law enforcement.
2017 will be no different, as the Lake Mills Police Department and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department will once again be joined by the Lake Mills Fire Department, Lake Mills Ambulance Service, the Winnebago County Task Force Against Substance Abuse, City of Lake Mills Park and Recreation Department, LMCDC, Parents for DC, and other organizations to make the early evening of Aug. 1, fun-filled and informative for the entire family to enjoy.
Once again, Oakwood Park will serve as the backdrop for all of the activities, with demonstrations and a meal starting at 5 p.m.
New for 2017, the Lake Mills Police Department will host a shooting gallery, featuring airsoft glock pistols, in which children between the ages of eight and 17, can learn a little about gun safety, while also practicing their target skills. In conjunction with this activity, the department will also have free gun locks available for distribution. The department will also be giving away police-themed temporary tattoos.
The Lake Mills Fire Department and Ambulance Service are teaming up to perform a Jaws of Life presentation, to display how they assist freeing those trapped in a vehicle that has been involved in an accident.
The Winnebago County Task Force Against Substance Abuse, will sponsor a free swim at the Lake Mills Aquatic Center, while those not looking to get wet, will have the chance to play mini-golf and other activities.
The Parents for DC will be providing a free will donation meal, and additional food offerings will be available from Double Dip Ice cream, and possibly other vendors. Speaking of food, the night will also serve as a collection point for non-perishable items people would like to donate to the food bank. A K-9 demonstration, which is always a big hit, will again be the highlight of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s contribution to the evening.
“We enjoy doing this type of event, and getting out among the public in a casual atmosphere, said Lake Mills Police Chief, Dave Thomas.
The event will conclude at 7 p.m., and in the event of rain will be moved to the LMCS Tornado Safe Room.