Region to celebrate National Night Out

OHIO — National Night Out is an annual event where community members can meet and talk to local law enforcement officers. Details for the events in the surrounding areas this year are as follows:

Lima will host two events. The first event will be at the Rotary Pavilion in Faurot Park from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will include live music, food cooked by Lima police officers, and demonstrations by specialty teams at the Police Department, as well as the Fire Department and the City of Lima’s Parks Division.

The second event will be at the Allen County Fairgrounds from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, this event will have displays from various units such as the K-9 Corps, the Mounted Posse, the SWAT team, Dive Team, Patrol Division, and Bomb Squad. There will also be a 5K event to benefit the Allen County D.A.R.E. program starting around 7 p.m.

Shawnee Township will celebrate the 25th annual event from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Park on Reed Road, featuring a 5K Run for Russ in honor of Russ Holly, as well as various foods, snacks, activities, and giveaways.

In Wapakoneta, a ceremony will kick off the night and celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Wapak’s first-ever all-abilities playground. The playground was made possible by a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Hometown.

Wapakoneta’s event is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. at Stadium Park. It includes door prizes, bounce houses, face painting, quarterback ball toss, bungee run and music by DJ Terence. Children can meet K-9 officer Kratos and Sgt. Hayson, as well as exploring firetrucks and police cars. The event will also feature the Police and Fire Department, celebrity cooks, CareFlight, and a K9 demonstration. Additionally, two bicycles donated by the Noon Optimist Club will be raffled off after the event.

Ottawa’s event will last from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ottawa Memorial Pool, featuring swimming, touch-a-truck, and free food.

Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351