A volunteer takes a plunge in the dunk tank during the 2023 National Night Out event in West Twin Park in Webster City.

National Night Out in Webster City will spread out tonight by blocking off the section of Superior Street that connects East and West Twin parks.

The event is from 5 to 7 p.m.

According to Webster City Police Officer Steve Thuma, this year’s annual celebration of law enforcement’s relationship with the public will be bigger and better than ever. And that goes beyond blocking off the streets.

Yes, Superior between Bank and Water streets will become a staging area for the many emergency vehicles that will be on display and, yes, Bank Street between West Twin and the Webster City Fire Department will also be closed to traffic.

Thuma said many local businesses and organizations have stepped up to sponsor food and games so that the whole evening will be free.

Hy-Vee is sponsoring food.

Headstart is sponsoring Kona Ice.

People’s Credit Union is sponsoring the bouncy house.

Hamilton County Crime Stoppers and the Daily Freeman-Journal are sponsoring the Nickel Scramble.

There will be 20 booths to browse and an opportunity to win a PlayStation5 video game console. Entrants under the age of 18 are eligible.

The Iowa State Patrol will be back this year with its “Seatbelt Convincer.”

Want to see a fire truck, a squad car or another type of emergency vehicle up close? This is your chance.

“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live,” according to the organization’s website.

“It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”

In addition to the WCPD, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Conservation, Webster City Fire Department, Van Diest Medical Center, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources play a role in bringing National Night Out to the county.