Community takes a night out together

In celebration of the third annual Plumas Lake National Night Out earlier this month, residents came out in full force and support of keeping the community safe.

National Night Out is an evening where across the nation communities come together to promote crime prevention and police-community partnerships; crime, drug and violence prevention; safety; and neighborhood unity. This year's event attracted more than 300 community members who were able to enjoy a great evening out, with lots to see and do.

"This is such a great event each year," said Dawn Granata, resident and event organizer. "We have wonderful support and are happy to see the community come out for it."

This year's event at Bill Pinkerton Memorial Park again featured a variety of booths, including many local businesses and organizations.

In a continued strong support for the community many familiar faces were there, along with some new ones. The Mr. Pickle's mascot could be seen meandering among the crowd and Neighbor's Pizza representatives were handing out samples of their original pizza. Additionally, Plumas Lake Bounce house and DJ Jerry Tatum donated their time giving the event and it participants an opportunity to either bounce or dance the evening away.

Thanks to local residents Craig and Heather Bommarito, National Night Out 2008 did feature a few new events, including a dunk tank which gave residents an opportunity to dunk their favorite Plumaslakelife.com forum member. There was also a watermelon-eating contest as well as a two pie-eating contests that gave the kiddos and adults the opportunity to show off their eating skills.

"We had a great time. The kiddos were both in the pie eating contest and my lil' miss participated in the watermelon contest too. They had so much fun making a huge mess and wearing more than they ate," said Cynthia Braxton. "It is an event here in Plumas Lake that I look so forward too. Thanks to everyone who put National Night Out on. We have a wonderful community and I am proud to be a Plumas Lake resident."

The event would not have been possible if not for the continued support of several key community organizations and businesses. The local Target in Yuba City once again donated a gift card to help purchase some of the items for the event; the Plumas Lake Mom's Group helped out by paying for and distributing fliers to promote the event; and many of the local vendors donated prizes for the raffle.

This was the 25th anniversary for the national event, which attracted more than 35 million participants throughout the 50 states, U.S territories, Canada and military bases worldwide, according to the organization.

Granata is looking forward to the 2009 event.

"Next year will be bigger and better," Granata said of the Plumas Lake event. "Plumas Lake is truly an awesome community to live in."

Plumas Lake correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at (530) 483-3664 or e-mail her at mperrault@plumaslakelife.com.