Sigourney enjoys a “National Night Out” on square

Despite worrisome weather earlier in the day, more than 400 civilians and community law enforcement gather the evening of Tuesday, August 2, to enjoy games, food, laughs, prizes, music and fun at Sigourney’s 7^th Annual National Night Out on Sigourney’s square.

            Rain led many to wonder if the event would be pushed back this year. According to Mallary Snakenberg, Sigourney Police Administrative Assistant, many people called the police station about National Night Out and likely contributed to less people attending this year.

            “Overall, this year still went really well, considering the weather,” Snakenberg said. “The community tells us this is one of their favorite events of the year. They can bring their kids out for a safe, family friendly evening, which parents love.”

            It’s not only the attendees that have fun at National Night Out each and every year. Law enforcement also has a unique opportunity to engage with the public. The Sigourney Police host a game for kids, “Spot an Officer,” where they have to gather three officer’s signatures and then turn them in for a drawing. This year’s winner was Tyler Pfannebecker, who was awarded a 2017 Sigourney Pool Pass.

            Area businesses, vendors, the Iowa State Outreach and Extension, and the Sigourney Public Library set up booths with prizes and food available. Amanda Rostami, Sigourney Public Library Director, has been to National Night Out six years in a row, started back when she first came to the library. Rostami and the library staff have done Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in years past, but instead went with a “Wheel of Prizes” game this year, which awarded everything from beach balls to sunglasses.

            “National Night Out is a great cause and gets us out in the community,” Rostami said. “Supporting our law enforcement is great because they might have one of the most unappreciated jobs in the country. It’s important to support them when we can.”

            The evening was also host to a plethora of local music and dance talent, featuring Miss Jen’s Dance, Rise Above Tunbling, Howard Linder and Kathy Glandon, Khloe Snakenberg Neshamah Brehears, Kellie Courtney, Zach Steinhart, Piercing the Darkness, and Sarina Gretter.

            “We have some really talented young people here, so it was nice to see them out and performing,” Rostami said.

            Grand Prizes where also draw and given out after the performances, including two bikes from Sigourney Health Center won by Ayla Banes and Brecken Hoylman, a $100 Visa Gift Card from Manour House to Allison Weber, an Expo Family Fun Package to Hunter Sellers, and a Pie in the Face to SIEDA Headstart teachers to Jayde Snakenberg and Bella Elwood.

            “”People loved going down Washington and taking part in all the activities and vendor on the streets,” Snakenberg said. “It keeps building every year we’re excited to continued this tradition in the future.”

            The Sigourney Police Dept and Auxiliary would like to thank all the vendors and donors for their support over the years. Snakenberg also wished to send out a special thank you to Bill Tremmel, who set up his human foozeball game after another activity was forced to cancel.