Great Turnout for National Night Out

Instead of just a singular National Night Out or Chamber Ice Cream Social, several organizations combined their summer evening events into one big gathering at Willow Creek Park on Tuesday, August 2^nd.

Watermelon?? Sure!

Scores of people lined up along Rotary Way for their free grilled hamburgers, and although the advertising was for free burgers for the ‘first 200’, the line-up was almost triple that as hot dogs were added to the menu to ensure that no one walked away with an empty plate. The Lamar Chamber of Commerce was kept busy, scooping out homemade ice cream, so cold; it could cause instant brain-freeze.  Free sliced watermelon and chilled water was also available.

Law Enforcement Display Table

The Colorado State Patrol and Lamar Police Department were present, distributing information regarding the upcoming Police Explorer Post to interested parents and youths. Healthy Places was on hand, passing out free orange tee shirts which promoted the planned skateboard park which will be constructed just yards from the gathering.  A couple of ramps were set up at the end of the roadway area where youngsters could display their skills.  Plenty of people took advantage of the free swimming night at the Lamar Pool.  And the night was capped by a completely uneventful outdoor theater on the inflatable screen which featured a free, family-oriented movie-in-the-park.  Strong winds have played havoc with the screen in the past, but last night was warm and calm.

Doing Their Thing

Dr. Linda Lujan, the new president of Lamar Community College, experienced her first community social event beyond the recent dorm dedication on campus. “This is a great turnout!  Is it always this well-attended?” she asked, as she enjoyed a cup of ice cream.

Always Time for a Tee Shirt

Another new visitor was Tito Porrata, a representative of Team Pain, the skateboarding organization which is designing the new skateboard park set for construction sometime later this year. “We don’t have a specific timetable yet, as the final designs have to be approved.  We have some displays at our booth for review, but we still have to get the final concepts approved and we can move ahead from there,” he explained.

This week is just a breather between summer activities for the community as the annual Sand and Sage Fair and Rodeo gears up for a new season with bull riding events set for Friday, August 5^th followed by the Saturday evening concert and beer garden.

By Russ Baldwin