BUTTE REGION (MPG) – The three neighboring communities of Gridley, Biggs and Live Oak celebrated National Night Out (NNO), the evening of Tuesday, August 2nd.

NNO is an evening of community fun that invites communities across the nation to mingle and get to know their Police Officers or other Law Enforcement Officers (LEO’s). Not only does it help the community build and strengthen their relationships with their local LEO’s but often, local fire departments, CHP and more get into the fun, bringing their equipment to educate both children and adults.

Each town within our tri-city area had its unique take on National Night Out 2022. 

For Gridley, this annual event has steadily grown in popularity over the years, much of the planning taken on by the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce (GACC) with strong support from Gridley Police Department, CALFIRE Butte County/Gridley Fire Department, and local businesses and service groups such as the Gridley Lions Club. 

Multiple businesses, organizations, and individuals from surrounding areas donated over 35 bikes for the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce Bike Giveaway, a huge draw for the public. In addition to the bikes, free school supplies were given out, and over 25 vendors provided refreshment and shopping opportunities for those who braved the heat. 

This year the City of Biggs put on a great evening of fun, with backpack giveaways, free books, free hotdogs, root beer floats, raffles, games and a ducky derby at Biggs Family Park. The Butte County Sheriff's Office, which serves as Biggs Law Enforcement Agency brought their boat, patrol vehicles, and to the children’s delight, their helicopter! CALFIRE/ Biggs Fire Department was also in attendance, as all our communities have a close relationship with our firefighters!

Live Oak Parks and Recreation held their NNO at the City Pool, inviting the community to “fire up the grill and gather the neighbors for a block party” style event. Of course, there were goodies such as free food, swimming at the pool, vendors and more. Some activities included a ping-pong tournament along with a cornhole tournament. Locals got to meet-and-greet their LEO’s from the Live Oak/Sutter County Sheriff’s Department, the Sutter County Fire Department/Live Oak Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol.

Although it was hot, each event had a great turnout and succeeded in bringing the community together to further their bond with their LEO’s and first responders.