OK, let’s go down that recipe list for a successful National Night Out event.
A great location with easy access for a family-friendly happening…Gorgas Park (check).
Lots of yummy food available to chow down on (check).
Two statuesque mounted police horses to get a selfie with (check).
A bounce house for the tots…oh, ya gotta have a bounce house (check).
Complimentary face painting for the youngsters by the Block Church (check).
A steady barrage of upbeat, pulse-pounding tunes from the Music Mann (DJ Barry Redeman) to keep the atmosphere hopping (check).
Lots of special-interest tables offering valuable info and free giveaways (check).
Officers from Philly’s Finest warmly greeting arrivals and circulating to make one and all feel welcome (check).
Let’s see now, am I forgetting something?
Mounted officers and their counterparts attracted plenty of attention from selfie takers. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Macky Klinger acts as a magician’s assistant for one of Dee the Magician’s clever sleight-of-hand tricks. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
PDAC members Marie O’Leary, Angelica Grace, and Charles Finlay shared Gorgas Park info and soft pretzels with passersby. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Joshua Ryan is a big fan of Gorgas Park events and, of course, soft pretzels. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Fifth District Chaplain Rev. Jack Kennedy had tables full of books to pass out to readers of all ages. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Mounted officers and their counterparts attracted plenty of attention from selfie takers. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Oh, I know…how about we throw in a little Dee the Magician, who made the yeast rise on the whole affair with his sidesplitting shtick of outrageous humor and jaw dropping sleight of hand routines.
A crowd of all ages gathered round as Dee and his sidekick rabbit “Cotton” kept everyone in stitches with his in-your-face brand of tomfoolery while amazing even the most “I know how you did that” critics.
He was the feather in the cap climax for the Fifth Police District Advisory Council (PDAC) staging of the yearly NNO event held across the country on the first Tuesday of August.
PDAC members work hand-in-hand with John Boyce and volunteers from the Friends of Gorgas Park to ensure that our community’s rendition doesn’t take a back seat to anyone’s.
This welcoming sign succinctly sums up the PDAC mission in the community. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
National Night Out was created as a way to enhance positive relationships between 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.
Getting Dee the Magician, who also performs at their annual holiday party for local school children, to entertain this year was the “piece de resistance.”
Dee the Magician has appeal across all demographics, delighting children with his over-the-top antics and cracking up adults with his giving of pop culture monikers that go way over the head of the younger set.
Parents get a little breather watching their tots burn off some of their endless energy in the bounce house. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Fifth District Capt. James Kimrey and Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano were delighted with the event’s turnout. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Ryan Pabon couldn’t resist a chance to pet this beautiful mounted steed. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Officer Vasilejwyk stands proudly behind a showroom looking police motorcycle awaiting a young rider. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Macky Klinger poses with Dee and his faithful rabbit sidekick ‘Cotton’ following his rousing performance. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Parents get a little breather watching their tots burn off some of their endless energy in the bounce house. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Referring to a blond haired child as “Home Alone” or a mom as “Desperate Housewives” borders on Don Rickles-like pokes at humor yet Dee pulls it off with his endearing witty banter.
He even referred to me as “Gary Busey. “ Hey, watch it!
Highly orchestrated events like NNO don’t get pulled out of a hat without a slew of volunteers working behind the scene or stay afloat financially without the generous contribution of sponsors.
The NNO had a slew of folks working to ensure that the event purred like a well-tuned engine while several local businesses pitched in to help defray costs.
Like most good things, it was a team effort.