The Ripon Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, drawing an estimated 1,000 residents to the Community Center for an evening dedicated to celebrating neighborhood unity and police-community partnerships.
The Ripon Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, drawing an estimated 1,000 residents to the Community Center for an evening dedicated to celebrating neighborhood unity and police-community partnerships.
From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., families gathered on the baseball field, where inflatable amusements entertained kids of all ages. In front of the center, police department staff manned the grills, serving up hot dogs donated by Austin Meats. Sweet treats were in no short supply, with Cotton Candy Cowboy and Cruising Cones each dishing out more than 600 servings of cotton candy and soft serve during the three-hour event.
Attendees were also treated to a live demonstration by Blessner Tae Kwon DO, adding another highlight to the night’s festivities.
Inside the Community Center, a host of local organizations—including Save Mart, Ripon Library, Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church-GEMS, the Office of Emergency Services, About Face-Face Painting and Balloon Artist, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Investigators Office, and Ripon Police Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS)—set up tables offering giveaways, activities, and information to residents.
The event drew several special guests, including Scott Tyrrell, Chief of Staff to San Joaquin County Supervisor Robert Rickman, who thanked Ripon Police staff for organizing the event and recognized the Ripon Consolidated Fire District’s Fire Chief for continued service. United States Representative Josh Harder also made an appearance, mingling with attendees and chatting with families.
Residents had the chance to enter a free raffle featuring over 50 prizes, from a Nintendo Switch and Giants game tickets to gift cards and items donated by local businesses and residents.
CSO Supervisor Liz Ries, who coordinated the event, credited about 50 sponsors for their support in making National Night Out possible. "We couldn't have done this without them," Ries said.
National Night Out, launched in 1984 in the suburbs of Philadelphia, is now a nationwide effort aimed at strengthening neighborhoods and building partnerships between police and the communities they serve. The event is held on the first Tuesday in August and has been a Ripon tradition since 1996.