Moments after the conclusion of a water balloon toss, laughter, smiles and chaos ensued with a water balloon fight during Ellendale’s Night to Unite. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Adults and children alike lined up at the City Park in Ellendale to play a game of water balloon toss. The winning team was able to walk away with a small trophy. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Many families took a minute to stop and chat with two of the Steele County Sheriff’s deputies who were at the Night to Unite event in Ellendale. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Kids stood by in awe as they got their hands on fresh cotton candy made right in front of them during one of Owatonna’s Night to Unite gatherings. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Many of the community block parties had several activities and games for attendees to play. Ellendale residents got to use the newly installed corn hole boards in the city park. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Oliver Miskowiec and Isaac Reyna took a couple minutes to cool off at the water fountain during Ellendale’s Night to Unite. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Sam and Isaac Reyna were thrilled to try on some firefighter gear and explore one of Ellendale’s firetrucks Tuesday night during Ellendale’s annual Night to Unite block party. More than 30 similar events took place throughout Steele County during the National Night Out. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Moments after the conclusion of a water balloon toss, laughter, smiles and chaos ensued with a water balloon fight during Ellendale’s Night to Unite. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
More than 30 community block parties were held throughout Steele County Tuesday night as part of the annual Night to Unite event.
Many families took a minute to stop and chat with two of the Steele County Sheriff’s deputies who were at the Night to Unite event in Ellendale. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
The Night to Unite, also referred to as National Night Out, is held each year on the first Tuesday in August to allow communities to come together over food and fun while building relationships within their neighborhood and local law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs.
Sam and Isaac Reyna were thrilled to try on some firefighter gear and explore one of Ellendale’s firetrucks Tuesday night during Ellendale’s annual Night to Unite block party. More than 30 similar events took place throughout Steele County during the National Night Out. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Since firetrucks and police cars are typically seen while they are on call or driving through a parade, the event event gives youth the opportunity to see them up close, even taking a seat inside the vehicles.
Aside from getting up close and personal with local firefighters, police and their vehicles, many of the block parties had food, games, bounce houses and more.
Hoards of community members attended one or more of the over 25 community block parties just within Owatonna.
Mary Roberts had hosted a block party for many years, but this year said she handed over the reins to her neighbors to do the planning.
Kids stood by in awe as they got their hands on fresh cotton candy made right in front of them during one of Owatonna’s Night to Unite gatherings. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
“We all love these nights to come together and meet new people or reconnect,” she chuckled. “But I’m getting too old to plan these parties, so I let someone else do it.”
Oliver Miskowiec and Isaac Reyna took a couple minutes to cool off at the water fountain during Ellendale’s Night to Unite. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Community members were able to enjoy cotton candy, hot dogs, burgers and other snacks and goodies throughout the evening.
Many of the community block parties had several activities and games for attendees to play. Ellendale residents got to use the newly installed corn hole boards in the city park. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Over in Ellendale, the activities were numerous from hula hoop contests and water balloon fights to basketball and bean bags tournaments. Many gathered in the city park for an evening of fun and community while being able to meet with some of the Steele County Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.
Adults and children alike lined up at the City Park in Ellendale to play a game of water balloon toss. The winning team was able to walk away with a small trophy. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)
Isaac and Sam Reyna of Ellendale said the best part of the evening was the water balloons, being able to get in the firetrucks and learn about all of the gadgets and tools firefighters use.
“I like to put on the helmets. They are so cool,” Sam said.
Data included is taken from the Minnesota Department of Health Daily reports. Because all data is preliminary, the change in number of cumulative positive cases and deaths from one day to the next may not equal the newly reported cases or deaths.
