Attendees were greeted with several activities and games as well as a free meal. The event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID and the law enforcement agencies were unsure if they would be able to hold it this year.

“We kind of threw it together last minute, we weren’t sure with COVID if we would be able to have it,” Police Chief Roger Porter said.”We wanted to do something for the community this year since we didn’t get to do it last year. I’m very happy with the turn out.”

While many volunteers said the attendance was lower than in past years, everyone agreed the event was a success.

“We had an excellent turn out, everyone is in good spirits,” said Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener.”I think everybody wanted to come out and see what was out here.”

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Fort Dodge was able to celebrate National Night Out once again after being forced to cancel in 2020.

National Night Out is a chance for community members to meet local law enforcement in a positive environment. The event is held nationwide every year on the first Tuesday in August and many families enjoy attending each year.

Lynne Brown, who attended the event with her family said, “We came here a couple years ago when they had it and our daughter had a lot of fun. I just think it’s really good for the community to get out.”

Brown’s two-year-old son, Cade, got a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a police vehicle and even honked the horn a few times.

Porter said he was concerned about attendance because of COVID concerns, but the event drew more people than he expected

“I expected it not to be as big as it did so I’m very happy with how many people came,” he said.”It turned out to be a beautiful night. A lot of kids and families showed up so it was very good.”

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Fort Dodge Firefighter Jordan Erie teaches children about fire safety in the home during National Night Out.

Fleener said they had several people who worked hard to put the event together.

“We have a lot of people to thank for volunteering their time,” he said.”We couldn’t do it without help.”

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Children watch a Police K9 demonstration at National Night Out on Tuesday.