Night to Unite, also known as National Night Out, is an event meant to build community bonds between citizens, businesses, and public safety organizations. Introduced by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984, “America's Night Out Against Crime” is celebrated in all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories, military bases, and Canadian cities.
The annual community-building event is generally held across Minnesota on the first Tuesday of August. Hosts are encouraged to gather outside with neighbors for block parties, cookouts, potlucks or ice cream socials, and enjoy yard games and music.
Coordinated alongside groups like the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, attendees are reminded to lock their doors and turn on outside lights to promote neighborhood safety. Event activities can include visits from local police officers, firefighters, and public safety personnel distributing child safety resources and community awareness tools while strengthening police-community partnerships.
Goodhue fire chief, Derrick Weckerling brought a fire truck for kids to check out at Jay and Teresa Voth’s Goodhue Township gathering during this year’s event on August 4. Several other neighborhoods both in town and in the country observed the evening including the Goodhue Living community which received a visit from Goodhue County Posse members and their horses, Toby and Dakota.
