Get Outside and Socialize with Your Neighbors – and Fight Crime While You're Out There

Get outside tonight. Urbandale’s award-winning National Night Out event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Urbandale Police Department parking lot.

National Night Out is a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and Target. The program has twin goals of crime prevention and strengthening community and police and community programs, Urbandale Police Department spokesman Randy Peterson said in a news release.

The Urbandale National Night Out is one of the best programs in the country. The police department has received national accolades for outstanding participation for each of the last three years. In both 2012 and 2010, it was the only Iowa event to receive national awards, according to the release.

Peterson attributed the success of the event to robust community participation.

“We are only successful because of you,” he said.

Some of the activities include:

• Bicycle Rodeo, sponsored by the Urbandale Police Bike Patrol and State Farm Insurance agent Ben Buenzow. Kids get free bicycle helmets and bicycle safety information, and free boys’ and girls’ bicycle will be given away (must be present to win). Bicycle will be on hand for those who don’t bring their bicycles to participate in the rodeo.
• Pedal cart timed race. The three top times in each group (7-9 and 10-13) wil win a prize.
• Big Wheel course for younger kids, ages 5-7 (Big Wheels provided).
• Dunk tank provided by Urbandale Police Citizens Police Academy alumni.
• Two inflatables by Jump House (local sponsor).
• Music provided by Stone Bridge Audio.
• Child ID kits (provided by New York Life Insurance Co.)
• Face painting.
• The Urbandale Fire Department will have a ladder truck and ambulance on hand for tours and will provide fire-safety information.
• UnityPoint Health (formerly Iowa Health System) will have its Life Flight helicopter on hand.
• Rollie (seatbelt safety), McGruff and the Crash Test Dummies will be on hand, courtesy of Iowa Crime Prevention Association and Kaplan University Criminal Justice Program.
• Clown will be walking around and making balloon animals, sponsored by local law enforcement agencies.
• The police department will perform K-9 demonstrations at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
• The Urbandale Honor Guard will make a presentation at 6 p.m.
• Urbandale SWAT team members and their rapid-response vehicle will be on hand.
• Hot dogs, chips, popcorn, Popsicles and water will be free, courtesy of Hy-Vee and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
• The event concludes with drawings for more than $2,000 worth of prizes (must be present to win).