National Night Out brings all ages together for fun

By Julia Wolf

National Night Out (NNO) is back for a second year, and everyone is encouraged to gear up for an evening of familyfriendly fun. The community event will take place Wednesday, Aug. 4, from 6-8 p.m., in Cornell’s Mill Yard Park.

“It’s all free,” said Lucy Schottelkorb, NNO planning committee member. “So, I think that’s a big deal.”

NNO serves as a time for the community to come together, as well as stand by first responders. The Cornell Police Department, Cornell Area Fire Department and Cornell Area Ambulance Service are slated to be there.

“There will be some opportunities for adults, but kids too, to interact with each of those groups of people,” said Schottelkorb.

One event on the schedule, is a jaws of life demonstration is planned to take place.

“Something that will be a little different this year, is there will be a friendly-sort competition between our first responders,” said Schottelkorb, adding the three services are competing against each other for the Coveted Community Cup.

The DNR will also have boat rides during NNO, and Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog/Dog Man will be on hand.

“So, that will be a lot of fun,” said Schottelkorb.

Free food and root beer floats will also be a feature of the event. Also on hand, will be businesses and organizations with booths offering activities, games or giveaways, along with information.

Schottelkorb says there will also be an activity similar to a scavenger hunt for kids to do, for a chance at a bigger prize, with other drawings for prizes throughout the event.

She says people should plan for a lot of fun and says the committee is planning for a really great event.

“It’ll be a lot of fun to be out together as a community, but also be interacting with our first responders, supporting them who support us,” said Schottelkorb.