The jump house was in constant motion, the DJ was rockin' the beats, the K-9 units were demonstrating their toothsome skills as Target volunteers handed out free BBQ and families admired the fire truck and ambulance on display.
It was the annual National Night Out event on the lawn in front of City Hall. The event drew over 100 people - mostly famlies with young children - who took advantage of delightful weather to get to know Pleasant Hill police officers a little better.
And that, after all, is the point of National Night Out - to encourage the community and the police to gather and socialize, and get to know each other better.
"My kids are having a ball this evening," said one delighted mom, "and I don't have to cook. What's not to love?"
That was a sentiment that seemed to be shared by most of the participants. Kids were wowed as a K-9 unit German Shepard subdued a "criminal" several times. After the demonstration, the kids got to line up and pet the dog, who seemed to love the attention.
National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August throughout the country.
