Pocatello hosts its own “national night out” event

There’s “girls night out” or “guys night out.” Even “moms night out.”

But what about “Pocatello night out?”

Tuesday night, in honor of “National Night Out,” the city of Pocatello held its own celebration.

“National Night Out” is a celebrated across the U.S. on the first Tuesday in August.

The Housing Authority for the City of Pocatello hosted Pocatello’s event.

“This event was started a couple of decades ago by town watch organizations in order to help prevent crime by bringing communities together by helping neighbors get to know each other and celebrating communities,” said Sunny Shaw, executive director for HAOP. “So that’s what this event is about.”

There were celebrations at four different locations: Christensen Courts, Portneuf Towers, McKinley Manor and Maple West. Each of those properties is owned by the Housing Authority.

Each location had live music and hot dogs. There were also bounce houses and fire trucks at the McKinley and Maple West locations.

Shaw said they selected a few of their properties which they felt would have the best turnout. Each of the four locations has between 46 to 72 apartments.

Shaw said at last year’s event they had between 20 to 30 people show up to each location, so they hope to top that this year.

Neighbors who showed up said they thought it was a good idea and a lot of fun.

“People are so busy and in and out and going to work, we don’t get to see each other,” said June Tademy, who comes to the event every year. “But this way we all meet, we talk, we laugh, we have a good time and we just enjoy everything and I think it’s really neat.”

“I think community nights out are important because you know we get a chance to know our neighbors,” said Jennifer Pearce, a first-time participant to Pocatello’s night out event. “Everyone that lives here, we don’t really interact with each other. And so this is a good opportunity for us to get to know each other and understand the different community organizations.”

Tademy said her favorite part is the band because they are really good and play great songs.

“I just love it all,” she added. “It’s just so exciting.”

This is the third year the HAOP has put on the event. Before that, it was put on by the Pocatello Police Department and Neighborhood Watch.