As miracles go, it wasn’t necessarily Biblical.
Let’s call it a minor miracle.
As grumbling storms passed through our area surrounding Gorgas Park last Tuesday afternoon, the National Night Out extravaganza was somehow spared any significant precipitation.
For those from the Fifth Police District Advisory Council (PDAC), the 21st Ward Community Town Watch, and Friends of Gorgas Park who worked feverishly to set up the annual event, maybe we can just refer to the meteorological phenomenon as good karma.
As storms raged around the park’s perimeter, nervous organizers kept looking at their Doppler apps in disbelief.
Adorable 2 year old K-9 White Lab Bailey got more than his share of doggie loving from attendees. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Adorable 2 year old K-9 White Lab Bailey got more than his share of doggie loving from attendees. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Oh, there was plenty of booming thunder and lightning strikes off in the distance, enough for Mr. Do-It-All James Dougherty to leap from the Dunk Tank after one chilling thunderbolt over the horizon.
Dougherty, would intrepidly regain his perch once he was confident that the nearby weather system had passed, sacrificing his body to treat the youngsters to a bit of guilty pleasure.
But other than a few innocent drops, the event proceeded virtually, and can I say miraculously, unscathed.
Courageous Linus Nannery enthusiastically climbed back up on the dunk tank seat despite countless dunkings. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Of course, one would have to think that National Night Out celebrations in other parts of the city and beyond may not have been so lucky.
The National Night Out, which is held on the first Tuesday in August, was created as a way to enhance positive relationships between local law enforcement and the neighborhoods in which they serve.
The goal is to increase awareness regarding police-related programs in communities such as Town Watch, Drug Awareness, and other anti-crime initiatives.
Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano and his PDAC crew try to raise the bar each year to provide a stimulating and fun environment so that folks will continue to flock to the event as they have in years past.
Aiden Szlanic gets an imaginative face makeover from artist Annette Atkins. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Aiden Szlanic gets an imaginative face makeover from artist Annette Atkins. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Some of the mainstays included the aforementioned dunk tank, including a slew of crowd pleasers for the younger set like kiddie games, face painting, music, funnel cake, prize raffles, and free hot doggies courtesy of those master grillers (PDAC’s Rich Wilczynski and Officer Michele Mobley).
There were several info tables set up by local organizations explaining the many resources that are available to the public within our gem of a community.
Some of the groups represented included Kaleidoscope, Amerikick Andorra, Girls Scouts, Town Watch, State Rep. Tarik Khan’s office to name a few.
There was a notable Philly’s Finest vibe getting attention across the generation gap ranging from a Swat Team vehicle with gear to try on to a couple of Mounted Police looking to get a little TLC for their equestrian partners.
One particular highlight occured when Fifth District Captain James Kimrey was able to coax the Avalon String Band to come and perform selections from their mummers routine.
Is it New Years already?
Highly orchestrated events like National Night Out don’t happen without the generous contribution of sponsors.
At the top of the list would be the Friends of Gorgas Park and Town Watch, along with the Crabill family, Shop Rite, Small Things Food Bank, and the good folks at Independence Blue Cross.
The folks from PDAC have another kid-friendly event just over the horizon, as they usher in the school year with their “Annual Back 2 School” supplies giveaway on August 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Better get there early as demand is always high!