The annual National Night Out celebration for Los Banos will be held at Henry Miller Plaza on Aug 6. From 5 to 8 p.m. The event is part of a nationwide movement to build police-community partnerships.
Families can enjoy amusement rides, over 40 vendors, a live performance by Southbound 33, and take part in a raffle with prizes including TVs, mini-drones and more.
The celebration brings in 1,800 to 2,300 attendees a year according to an e-mail interview with Police Sergeant Ivan Mendez. National Night Out in previous years has been held in the parking lot of City Hall and the adjacent streets, this year it has been moved to Henry Miller Plaza.
“It is a unique, centralized and historical location in our city that suits our logistical needs while providing an excellent interactive experience with the residents of Los Banos,” Mendez said regarding the new venue.
TEACO Amusements will bring a Ferris wheel and big slide to the celebration, with the police department providing 100 free rides thanks to donations. The police department, which hosts the event, will also have a live demonstration from its drone unit.
The city’s public works department and Home Depot will have some activities for children. Ronny’s Landscaping will bring its mobile rainforest for children to enjoy, as well.
Each year expensive prizes are given out in a raffle and this year will not be an exception. TVs, Bikes, Mini-Drones, a Mini-projector, air pods, sports gear and more will all be winnable by attendees according to Mendez.
Southbound 33, a local band, will provide a live music performance at the event. “I am confident everyone will enjoy them,” Mendez said.
A “variety of food vendors” will be available to attendees. Two nationwide sponsors, 7 Eleven and Starbucks, will be giving handouts too.
While enjoying food and handouts, attendees can meet the people who keep them safe: Los Banos police officers, firefighters, code enforcement personnel, 911 dispatchers, animal control officers and investigators. In addition attendees can meet members of allied agencies such as CalFire, Merced County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, California State Parks and others.
“This has always been one of my favorite Department events because of the variety of participants,” Mendez said, “The best part is seeing the happy and exciting reactions from the attendees.”
