Sewickley police Sgt. Dave Yurkovac said expectations were exceeded with the department’s inaugural National Night Out celebration outside the borough building.

About 500 people were estimated to have participated in the two-hour event along Thorn Street on Aug. 5.

Festivities included a performance by The Deuces Wild Band, a balloon artist, Kona Ice and food provided by Tim’s Extreme Dogz and Caliente Pizza.

Cochran Hose Company volunteer firefighters helped distribute free backpacks filled with school supplies collected by firefighters and police, including contributions from the state police.

“We’re happy that word got around and everyone in the community came out to support our first Night Out,” Yurkovac said. “Definitely looking to add some things for next year and keep on improving it.

“We got a lot of compliments from everybody that they enjoyed the music and the activities for the kids and backpacks. We’re just happy that we were able to provide that for everybody. It was great to see the turnout.”

National Night Out began in 1984 as a community-building event designed to promote police-community relationships. It is celebrated every year in most places across the country on the first Tuesday in August, according to natw.org.

Yurkovac said the department attempted to host such an event last year, but it was canceled because of rain.

Officers partnered with firefighters to ensure the show went on this year, rain or shine.

Fortunately, organizers did not have to resort to Plan B as the evening was calm with temperatures in the mid-70s.

“When everything was getting filled up and we saw how everything was laid out here, this is exactly what we envisioned,” Yurkovac said. “A nice night out with the community on a nice summer night to enjoy being with the first responders in our community. … I think we deserved it after last year. This turned out great.”

Deuces Wild performed a variety of country and rock hits, much to the delight of several senior dancers.

Sweetwater Center for the Arts brought its mobile art gallery, Sweet Ride, and had arts and crafts activities for children.

Valley Ambulance Authority personnel brought an ambulance for families to explore. However, they had to cut the visit short to respond to a call from a nearby town about an hour into the event.

Pippa Young and Amara Kanick, both 8 and from Sewickley, were among the elementary students who received a backpack. They promptly opened up the bags and began drawing on their new notebooks less than 100 feet away from the volunteer fire company’s booth.

Amara’s mom, Suzanne Kanick, said they were very grateful to live in a community that recognizes its first responders and has thoughtful organizations that want to give back.

“It’s great for the kids to come out and get to see some of the helpers in our community, the firemen, the police officers and others, so that when they see them in other instances, they’d be more familiar and more comfortable with them,” Kanick said. “(The backpacks) certainly help cut down our shopping time for school. Both my husband and I work full time. Getting our shopping list for the school supplies done is always a challenge. We definitely appreciate it. She goes through school supplies very quickly.”

Amara and Pippa both said they liked their backpacks. Pippa also liked the pizza.

“I’m really excited to see the community out, and as a board member of Sweetwater, I’m glad to see Sweet Ride out,” said Jennifer Young, Pippa’s mother. “We’re just part of the community. We want to come out and support everyone.”

Balloon artist Cindy Balko of Mike the Balloon Guy and Co. made a variety of creations, including a unicorn for Emma Crossett, 2, of Edgeworth and a Pikachu for her older brother, Finn Crosset, 5.

“We love all of the community events, and Edgeworth is just right next door, so it’s super easy to pop on in,” said their mother, Lauren Crossett. “The kids love it every time the Village puts something on.

“I think it’s really great and it’s really important, especially with young kids, to have the opportunity to meet with first responders in a non-emergency situation, so in the future if there is an emergency, they’re maybe less frightened or concerned.

“Sewickley always does a really great job in having the first responders be really open to kids. Whether it’s visiting the fire house or the police officers waving, ‘hello.’ It’s been really great.”

Many council members and Mayor George Shannon also attended. Police Chief Dave Mazza brought his dog Harley, an 18-month-old English black Labrador who has become the borough’s first certified therapy dog. Other dogs were quick to spot Harley and got into some playful tussles.

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