By Rita Shirley LeBleu

National Night Out started as a Neighborhood Watch program in the 1980s. Today it’s grown into an annual event that allows law enforcement officers, fire fighters and emergency responders the opportunity to interact with families in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The event is celebrated by over 38 million people across the United States in more than 16,000 communities.

In Cameron Parish, the occasion was marked with a family fun day Saturday, Aug. 29.

In the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center Parking area, South Cameron Fire Department, the Grand Lake/Sweetlake Fire Department, Cameron Parish Ambulance District 2, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole, and the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office displayed vehicles and equipment.

The CPSO had Skydio on the premises, which drew the interest of more adults than children. This drone is used by law enforcement to round up perpetrators, conduct surveillance and provide training scenarios.

Venture Global provided cheese and chips. Snow cones – a welcome treat on the 90 degree summer day – and pony rides were courtesy of the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The Visitor’s Center was open to the public and on display was a new, donated fish tank, which Carolyn Miller, Tourist Commission, called “a work in progress.”