National Night Out 2008
13th year proves lucky for Somerset Night Out
By BRUCE SIWY
Daily American Staff Writer
Officers Charlie Santa, “Arny” and Brian Harbart demonstrate the futility of running from the law in a demonstration during Somerset Night Out activities at Union Street Playground Tuesday evening. (Staff photo by Roger Vogel at the Daily American)
The number 13, normally associated with misfortune, may have proved to be good luck at this year’s Somerset Night Out.
Looming rain clouds and storm forecasts weren’t enough to dampen what event coordinator Charlie Santa said was the usual good turnout for Tuesday’s 13th annual borough event, which was held again at the Somerset Community Park.
“The community really supports this,” he said, drenched in sweat after shedding the 35-pound suit from the K-9
demonstration. “The block party is designed to bring people together.” District Judge Art Cook said this support is one way residents have shown pride in their area. “Somerset County is one of the safest counties in Pennsylvania,” Cook said. Borough Mayor Bill Meyer said he thinks it’s great to see people show an interest in their community. “If we all work toward a common goal, we’ll continue to have a great community,” he said.
The event, which began at 6 p.m., included face-painting, balloon animals and a magic show for children. Many in attendence also played games of football-toss and miniature-golf putting.
Santa, a student resource officer with Somerset Borough, donned the protective suit at 7 p.m. for a police dog demonstration. As Arny, the police dog, bit into Santa’s padded suit arm, Officer Brian Harbart addressed the crowd by microphone and explained the canine’s abilities. “If he gets a hold of you, wherever he does, you wouldn’t have a chance to break away,” he said.
Santa said this was the first year that featured live music. Blackburn Road, a Friedens-based group, played Christian rock music starting at about 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, more than a dozen agencies had set up tables to distribute information. “It’s good to let everyone know what agencies are out there and what all’s available,” Santa said. County Coroner Wallace Miller said exposing people to the services and information about the area’s agencies is one of the purposes of the event. “People need to stay safe not just by avoiding crime, but by taking care of our bodies and making smart decisions,” he said.
Following Blackburn Road’s performance, police and emergency vehicles led a neighborhood procession through the town. Santa said he credits the many volunteers, and donations from both private individuals and businesses, for the event’s sustained success over more than a decade. “It’s really the people, agencies and businesses that make this happen,” he said. “I just coordinate it.”
(Bruce Siwy may be contacted at bruces@dailyamerican.com.
Comment on the online story at dailyamerican.com.)
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