The Fort Dodge version of National Night Out will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in Fort Dodge City Square in front of the Fort Dodge Public Library. There is no admission charge. The goal of this annual event is to provide opportunities for the public to interact with the personnel from the public safety entities that help protect Fort Dodge and Webster County.

Multiple agencies will be taking part including the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Webster County Conservation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In addition to law enforcement agencies, other entities will have representatives on hand, including the Webster County attorney’s office, Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Webster County Crime Stoppers and the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center.

This very worthwhile gathering is an excellent way to learn about each participating agency or organization. Personnel will share information about the services their organization performs as well as the community partnership programs they offer.

National Night Out is more than just a learning experience. It’s an event crafted to be a great deal of fun while being educational.

There will be an array of activities that will help personnel affiliated with the agencies get acquainted with members of the public. Food will be provided by Hy-Vee, Target and the Webster County Pork Producers, which will be serving pork burgers. Additionally, there will be ice cream served by the Dariette.

Larry Dunbar will be putting on a magic show and there will also be a K9 demonstration from area law enforcement agencies.

Young folks are especially encouraged to attend National Night Out. Many aspects of this undertaking have been designed with them in mind.

National Night Out is an outstanding way for members of the public to meet and interact with the local public safety partners and others who serve our community.

The Messenger strongly supports this event. Make plans now to take part in National Night Out on Tuesday. You’ll learn a lot and have an enjoyable time doing so.