CRESWELL – Bubbles floated through the air while kids played in Harry Holt Memorial Park. A misting line hung from the restrooms to a nearby tree, spraying cool water on people as they walked under. The smell of grilled hot dogs wafted through the park. Down in Creswell, National Night Out looked a little bit different than Springfield’s event.
Officers from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office gave tours of the inside of the Crisis Negotiation Unit truck and the Max Pro. According to officers, these kinds of armored vehicles are used by law enforcement a few times a month for instances that require more protection than just a regular car.
Horses were a big draw for the kids. The Sheriff’s Mounted Posse allowed kids to pet their horses and explained the purpose they serve. The Posse attends rodeos, parades, and other functions to help with traffic control. If you participated at the Lane County Fair, you might have seen them directing cars to their designated parking spots.
Like Springfield, there was a deputy dunk tank and K9 demos. Deputy Warner and his K9 Ripp displayed obedience skills, and Ripp was generously awarded with lots of pets from fascinated kids. Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue dogs also got their fix of attention.
Sergeant Alex Speldrich and Deputies Jarden Davis and Zach Fulton competed in a pie-eating contest at 6 p.m. According to Speldrich, Deputy Fulton was the crowd-voted winner, claiming bragging rights for the next year since he finished the most pie within a two-minute time frame.
Sanipac crew members served up around 100 free hot dogs, chips, and drinks from its Ultimate Tailgate Truck, better known as the ‘Duck Truck’. Shaved ice was a common theme at NNO, with Kona Ice making an appearance in Creswell. Preschool Promise was offering free preschool applications. Family Relief Nursery and Creswell Library were also in attendance, providing information about their services.
Suppose people weren’t checking out police equipment and emergency vehicles, or getting free swag and helpful information from vendor booths. In that case, they were taking cover for shade and eating their free dogs at the benches under the pavilion
