National Night Out will be held Aug. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Snell-Crawford Park.

In the past, the event has been paired with the Back to School Bash, which provides backpacks and school supplies to students who may not be able to afford them.

But according to Fort Dodge Police Officer Joelyn Johnson, who serves as the department’s school and community resource officer, it was decided to hold the events separately this year to help provide an opportunity for the public safety agencies to interact with those they serve.

“To us, it’s very important that we have good community relationships and to really recognize the strong relationships that we do have with our public,” Johnson said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Participants in the 11th annual Night Out and Back to School Bash held at the Crossroads Mall Tuesday afternoon check out the UnityPoint Health-Life Flight.

The Back to School Bash is more focused on school than public safety.

“We really wanted to focus on our appreciation aspect,” she said.

Multiple agencies, including the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County attorney’s office, UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center, and the Fort Dodge Fire Department will be participating.

“Each agency will have a booth and be able to share a little bit about their agency as well as the programs they have to offer for community partnerships, as well as an activity to get them acquainted with our citizens,” Johnson said.

For example, the Fort Dodge Police Department will provide a mini-qualification course, giving children an idea of what it’s like to take the test to become an officer. It includes a physical agility test, push-ups, sit-ups and sit and reach.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Abram, the Fort Dodge Police Department's new canine locates a hidden stash of drugs in a vehicle Tuesday afternoon during a demonstration with his partner, patrol officer Troy Kleppe during the 11th annual Night Out and Back to School Bash held at the Crossroads Mall.

Assistant Fort Dodge Police Chief Cory Husske said there will be more for the children who participate.

“They’ll get a certificate signed by the chief that they are now a junior police officer,” he said. “And we’re going to see if we can get them a junior badge.”

There will also be a pork burger meal along with chips and water. Ice cream will be served by Dariette.

Johnson said magician Larry Dunbar will perform magic shows throughout the evening, and there will also be an appearance by Larry Sadler, who owns a police car similar to the one seen on “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Johnson described the car as a “Mayberry police car.”

Because equipment will be parked in spaces normally used by park visitors, Johnson said special parking zones have been designated.

Brian Becker, who owns the apartment buildings across the street from the park, is allowing National Night Out guests to park in those spaces, according to Johnson.

Additionally, there will be street parking available on Williams Drive.

Husske said National Night Out will be a great opportunity for the public to meet with the local public safety partners.

“Overall, we just wanted an opportunity to be able to interact with the public in a fun way,” he said. “A lot of time, their interaction with us is during an emergency or some other reason. We want to increase the amount of time they have an interaction with us that’s fun.”

Johnson agreed.

“Typically, we’re running call to call and you have to get in and get out,” she said. “It’s important that we have good relationships.”