VIROQUA, Wis. – The dates for the fourth annual Vernon County National Night Out hosted by the Vernon County First Responders have been announced. The event will be held on Tuesday, August 1, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua.

Organizers say that in 2022 estimated attendance fro the event was around 2,500 people and they are hopeful they can improve on that number each year. National Night Out is an event held across the country the first Tuesday in August. The event was established in 1984 and is meant to enhance the relationship between communities and law enforcement, while bringing back a true sense of community. It is also intended to provide an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Here in Vernon County the organizers say they want to expand that relationship beyond just law enforcement and include first responders, law enforcement, fire, and EMS. Local businesses and organizations have been invited to participate by providing a family friendly activities that promotes safety and wellness. Attendees can expect to enjoy things like corn hole games, spin the wheel for prizes, face painting, bouncy horses races, trivia games, a giant operation board game, and a petting zoo, as well as lots of goodies to take home.

New this year will be an interactive scavenger hunt using an app called Goosechase, thanks to the UW-Extension Office and Vernon County 4H. Some of the highlights provided by the first responders will be a first responder vehicle display, fire department repelling, fire safety house, fire extinguisher training, three K9 demos, an extrication demo, and a drone demo.

The evening will be capped off with a mock crash scenario in partnership with Vernon Electric promoting safety around power lines for civilians and first responders. There will also be fireworks presented by Organic Valley and Joe Blow Fireworks of Readstown. Vernon County National Night Out organizers say the event is put on by volunteers and it is only possible to bring the experience to those in attendance because of a huge outpouring of community support from sponsors and participants alike.

The entire event is free to anyone attending including free food while supplies last. The most up to date information on the event can be found at the Vernon County National Night Out Facebook page and on Instagram.