A beautiful summer evening greeted all who gathered at Wilshire Park on August 5th to promote the festive mood of neighbors celebrating the National Night Out. Like scores of similar events throughout the city, this was an opportunity for neighbors to come together and knit closer ties to create safer neighborhoods; as well as meet and show appreciation of our local public servants in police and fire departments who are integral towards that endeavor.
The food line quickly swelled from the 6:30 start as volunteers—Roger Price, Dave Whitaker and Dan Johnson manning the grills with runner help from Karla Lenox—did their best to keep up with the hungry multitude. After getting their grilled treats, folks could pick up cold drinks thanks to the gracious donations of Beaumont Market and Everest M Market. As in past years the United Methodist Native American Fellowship Church and Boy Scout Troop 107 come through by donating and setting up the tables and chairs—a huge task that helps out immensely. Next in line were a couple new tables this year. Fellow neighbor Kimberly Roskelly provided free nutritious snack samples from Happy Family brand and new to our area: Faith Heritage Church whose members jumped into the community spirit by providing frozen ice cream treats. Thanks to both for their contributions to the culinary variety of the picnic. And speaking of culinary options, thanks to all who brought snacks, side dishes and desserts to add to the wonderful and eclectic offerings on the community food tables. As in years past, Whole Foods again donated a wonderful large sheet cake, very well received by all who sampled!
With so many other NNO events going on that night, we were honored that police Officer Jason from North Precinct showed up along with Officer Ryan from the K9 unit with his beautiful, four-legged partner. In addition a squad of fire fighters brought out a pumper truck for all to inspect up close. On a personal note I want to thank the fireman who patiently, with a smile on his face, answered the continuing flow of “what’s that for?” questions posed by my three year old grandson.
This year we focused on having kids games and activities that provided plenty of “Kodak moments”, especially the beard contest and banana hopping game. Seeing the joyful gleam in a youngster’s eye as he or she perused the “treasure chests” on the prize table was a great reward in and of itself.
And let’s not forget the numerous businesses who donated back to the community, providing an outstanding list of prizes supporting our traditional picnic raffle. Please stop by and add your own word of thanks to these giving community members: The Arrangement, Garden Fever, Green Dog Pet Supply, A Child’s Place, Gazelle, Foot Traffic, Blackbird Wine, Beaumont Florist, Smallwares, Alameda Brewing and Beaumont Hardware.
Like any event, the picnic doesn’t occur without many hours of planning and effort provided primarily by the members of the BWNA. My personal thanks to those that stepped up to the plate this year.
As the setting sun filtered through the trees at Wilshire Park and we began clean-up, my mind was already racing ahead to thoughts on how we can get even more neighbors to come out next year. Mark your calendars now for August 4th, 2015—so you don’t miss out on the food, conversation and good times!