National Night Out Wrap-Up

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So many aspects of this event were spectacular and it is thanks to the generosity and dedication of the many wonderful people who work and volunteer to make Forest Grove a better place to be. Folks from all corners of the City of Forest Grove came together to make this 2011 National Night Out event a huge success.  Pacific University graciously offered their beautiful campus and Aramark and Pepsi stepped up to provide the free food and drinks. The entire Police Department along with staff from Fire, Light and Power, Public Works, and Parks all worked side by side carrying generators, setting up barricades, unloading trucks and trailers filled with food, tents and enough supplies to throw a party for over 1800 people on the evening of Tuesday, August 2nd.

The day of the 2011 NNO started early with trucks rolling in loaded with supplies.  Rotary tents and canopies went up like a circus big top under the expertise of Pete Van Dyke. He led the morning crew and slugged it out with heavy bags of fittings, 12’ poles, and giant canvases.

Crime Prevention booths, coordinated by Helen Matzke, and Entertainment booths and displays guided by Marcey Ranes, fell into place like a perfect stack of dominos as the west lawn of Pacific University filled up with groups like WCCCA, MADD, Neighborhood Watch, Domestic Violence volunteers, Pacific University Security, The Forestry Center, and many others – all focused on Crime Prevention and Safety – began setting up their booths.  

By 5:30 pm two amazing, local bands - Rudefish and Painted Gray - were warming up as families settled on the shaded green lawns with their hot dogs and cake. Hundreds of free meals were prepared and served by Pete Van Dyke and our Chamber of Commerce Director, Teri Koerner, who worked all aspects of fine dining with hot dogs! Dessert, in the form of 18 divine sheet cakes, was delivered and served by Robin and Leonard of Design in Time.

The lines kept growing for Detective Matt Smith’s creative balloon critters. Little ones munched on popcorn donated by Gratterie’s and popped by City Councilor Camille Miller. Fluffy pink cotton candy from Carolyn’s Expresso and Joe’s Ice Cream wound up on smiling faces.

Light and Power’s safety-minded staff lifted children high into the air for bucket rides on the big trucks.  Tots jumped and slid on the big, colorful castle and slide while others danced through the sprinklers from the Fire truck. Many families were busy solving their clues for the scavenger hunt and our smiling Chief Aleshire gave them the final winning sticker.

Sergeant Kevin Ellingsburg, under the direction and command of Captain Aaron Ashbaugh, worked tirelessly and efficiently from dawn to dark moving his men and equipment where they were needed. The police demos for taser, handcuffing, and the simulated DUII stop went off seamlessly under Sgt. Ellingsburg and Detective Sgt. Herbs’ direction. The large crowd of spectators was captivated and attentive.  

Shiny new bikes donated by the Police Association were presented to the raffle winners with all raffle proceeds going back into the NNO fund. Drawings for gifts donated by Sake One and Aaron Ashbaugh were drawn for the volunteers but everyone was a winner this evening.

This is the true heart of a small American City - its people.  Good people like those of Forest Grove. This wonderful, all free event to promote safety and crime prevention in our City of Forest Grove is the reward and gift to over 1800 folks who attended. 

Pictures will be posted soon!