Free gatherings in four communities offer games, food and a chance to meet local first responders
Police departments and community groups in four Santa Barbara County cities are inviting residents to take part in National Night Out on Tuesday, a nationwide effort to build relationships between public-safety agencies and the people they serve.
Free evening events are planned in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.
Each will feature a mix of entertainment, activities and public safety displays, with local police, fire crews and other agencies on hand. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will be present at multiple locations.
First launched in 1984, National Night Out has grown into a campaign that brings millions of people together on the first Tuesday in August, according to the National Association of Town Watch.
The organization describes it as a chance for families to meet first responders, explore emergency vehicles, and learn about local programs in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s National Night Out will bring games, food and public safety activities to the Spencer Adams Parking Lot at 1235 Chapala St.
The gathering runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and will include a video game trailer, bounce house, free face painting, a fire safety house, Sparky the Fire Dog, Library on the Go, a Youth Makers Market, tacos and churros.
Children will also be able to explore police and fire vehicles on display.
In Santa Maria, last year’s National Night Out drew an estimated 2,300 people, according to Sgt. Felix Diaz of the Police Department’s community services unit.
“We’re hoping to do the same, if not more, this year,” he said.
The event will return to the Santa Maria Fairpark, running from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and is expected to include free hot dogs, music, raffles and activities for children, such as bounce houses, face painting and balloon art.
Diaz said dozens of booths hosted by businesses, nonprofits and public agencies will offer giveaways and community information, and a sheriff’s helicopter is scheduled to land during the evening.
One highlight will be a visit from Retro Bill, a high-energy safety entertainer scheduled to appear again this year. He’s known for delivering positive messages to children with a flair inspired by the D.A.R.E. era, Diaz said.
Lompoc
In Lompoc, National Night Out will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium, 217 South L Street, at Lompoc Valley Middle School.
According to the Lompoc Police Department, the event will feature bounce houses, face painting, games, arts and crafts, and performances by local dance groups. A live DJ will provide music throughout the evening, and attendees can enjoy hot dogs and other refreshments.
The city of Carpinteria and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will host National Night Out from 5 to 7 p.m. at Linden Field.
California State Parks granted the city use of Linden Field for the event, officials said.
