By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Driving around Bucyrus may have presented a challenge Tuesday but no one seemed to mind because it was a night to party.
Improving upon last year’s numbers by six, 17 Bucyrus area neighborhoods shut down sections of city streets so neighbors could get together to eat, play games, and get to know one another as part of the local National Night Out festivities
Virginia Avenue residents, who last held a block party over a decade ago, conversed with one another over a potluck. During the party entertainment was provided from Rob Neff and Al Frazier.
“Mr. Frazier plays the guitar, I attempt to play mandolin, and we have been doing this for about 10 years together now, and I think it started with a National Night Out in the Park 10 years ago,” Neff said.
Ruth Adams who has lived on Virginia Avenue since 1952 explained that she went to the block party to meet her neighbors.
“I just brought some food for the party,” Adams said. “I don’t know some of the neighbors, and it is nice to get to know them, and look out for each other.”
Most of the National Night Out block parties ran from 6 to 8 p.m. however neighbors on East Rensselaer Street, and Woodlawn Avenue began their parties an hour earlier.
Participating in his first National Night Out as Bucyrus mayor, Jeff Reser visited the block parties and met with his constituents and neighbors.
“We have 17 block parties, so we want to stop at each party, get to know everybody, and thank them.” Reser said. “This is one of the cool things about Bucyrus, the neighborhoods.”
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival Director Larry West was getting to know his neighbors while grilling hotdogs for the block party on East Rensselaer.
“Our Neighborhood Watch got together and decided to see if we could get a potluck, or something of that nature, and put some games out for the kids, and have a good old time.” West said.
Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke visited community members during the National Night Out.
“It has been a great program since Chief Corwin, when it started,” Koepke said. “It has been a great program in Bucyrus getting neighborhoods out and active.”
Bucyrus Area Churches combined efforts for the Woodlawn block party, lasting until 9 p.m. the Woodlawn National Night Out party featured food, games, face painting, Duck Dynasty beard making, and a prayer tent.
“What we have done the last few years is run our Bible school and National Night Out together,” Pastor Paul Dalrymple said. So what we do is have Bible School for two days, participate National Night Out and try to get a few more people involved, and let people know that we are here in the community.”
Down the street from Woodlawn’s block party, community members of East Street mingled with each other for the annual event.
“We are trying to bring the community together, beak bread, and let the community know that we are looking out for each other, and that the community wants to be strong and drug free, and everyone does their part to build a stronger community,” Doug Vandayburg said.
National Night Out was first held on August 7, 1984 in 400 communities across 23 states, in its 30th year, it has grown to over 16,000 communities in all 50 states.