“Candy!”  

That was Ruth, Hannah and Rebecca Beremore’s response when asked what their favorite part of National Night Out was in Hayden on Tuesday night — but their mom, Amanda Beremore, knows the significance of the annual event reaches far beyond free treats for the girls.  

“We love National Night Out. We’ve been coming for years. It’s a staple in our household. It’s especially important to us that the kids see and recognize our police and first responders, to bridge the gap between them and law enforcement so they know who is protecting them,” Beremore said.  

Tuesday night’s event in McIntire Park provided exactly that: a chance for families and community members to get to know their local law enforcement agencies and first responders through demonstrations, activities and friendly conversation.  

“It’s awesome for us to get to know our neighbors and for them to get to know their firefighters,” said Fire Marshal Tyler Drechsel of the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District.  

Events like National Night Out are also an opportunity for people to learn more about local issues that may impact them. 

“For us tonight, we’re discussing wildfire preparedness with those who stop by,” said Drechsel. “About 80-85% of Kootenai County is wildland-urban interface, so people’s homes and property have a real risk of being affected by wildfire.” 

Drechsel and the NLFPD also talked to locals about their recently proposed override levy, which will be voted on in November.  

Several local businesses also came out for the event — Hayden’s Triple Play Family Fun Park brought their popular mascot, Stanley the Velociraptor, thrilling the many kids in attendance. 

Festivities will continue tonight in Coeur d’Alene, with multiple “National Night Out” events taking place across the city. Several neighborhoods are hosting cookouts and block parties for neighbors, first responders and other city officials to get to know one another. A fundraiser supporting the Coeur d’Alene Police K-9 Association is also taking place on Johnshawk Drive from 5 to 8:30 p.m.  

    Ruth Beremore laughs as she feeds candy to Stanley the Velociraptor, who made an appearance during National Night Out at McIntire Family Park Tuesday. Stanley is a popular mascot at Hayden's Triple Play Family Fun Park. Photos by Hailey Hill
  

    National Night Out attendees got a chance to test their throwing arms with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office by seeing how fast they can throw against a roadside speedometer.
  

    Rocket the therapy dog also made an appearance at National Night Out with the Kootenai County Sheriff Chaplains.