Duluth Celebrates National Night Out with 50+ Events

DULUTH - Tuesday evening, law enforcement and neighbors across the country got together to celebrate the 31st annual National Night Out. The goal is to reduce crime by bringing neighbors together. Duluth alone had more than 50 separate events throughout the city. People living in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood came out for free food, friends, and a perfect evening. For seven years people living on McCulloch Street have pulled out lawn chairs and whipped up their best pasta salads for what they call the best day of summer. "This is the premier event of the year, certainly the summer if not the year," laughed 14 year Lakeside resident and National Night Out organizer, Bill Nelson. Nelson and fellow neighbor Tim McEvoy are the masterminds behind the party, and they say the reason people stop by their block is to hear their band “under the bus” hit the stage. “Probably the sound,” said McEvoy when asked why people come to McCulloch Street. “They can hear it for about five blocks everywhere.” Nelson says, it’s the sense of community bringing people together. “People like to come out and hang out on a nice day,” he said. Duluth's Mounted Patrol was making surprise appearances throughout Lakeside and Lincoln Park. They say events like National Night Out and getting to know your neighbors is a good way to keep crime rates down."Tonight is an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other, have a good time,” said Mounted Patrol Officer, Amber Peterson. “Get over that initial boundary of who is who so that they can work on bigger problems in their neighborhood a little easier." It's an annual event that's no doubt a good time, but carries an important message of community safety."This is just wonderful,” Nelson said. “We look forward to it each year." Next year’s National Night Out is planned for Tuesday August 4, 2015.