No tickets were issued for this lucky bike winner, just smiles. Pictured from left are Jordan Lopez and Officer Lafauci. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - One of the larger community events growing in popularity in Gridley is the annual National Night Out.

Gridley joins communities across the nation, including neighbors Biggs and Live Oak, desiring to foster closer relationships with their law enforcement agencies and first responders through a night of relaxed activities and entertainment.

Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Gridley’s event, always hosts a big crowd at Manuel Vierra Park the first Tuesday in August.

Staples returned for 2024 and Gridley Police Department’s finest, Chief Todd Farr, made his debut appearance at a community event. They were joined by CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Department, CHP and the Navy Sea Cadets.

National Night Out brings law enforcement agents and the community together for a night of fun and these Gridley Police Officers were happy to be there. Pictured from left are Officer Reusser, Officer Stopplemore, Officer Warren, Officer Carsen (front), and Chief Farr. Photo courtesy of the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce

Service groups were in action, with the Lions barbecuing hot dogs, Rotary volunteering and Quota of Gridley manning giveaways. Gridley FFA members were there to be of service and support the Chamber of Commerce.

The Church of Jesus Christ hosted a free kids’ craft area, while St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church had a spinner wheel for free goodies and the First Baptist Church provided free snow cones to the crowd.

The ladies of Quota of Gridley hosted a backpack giveaway, with others donated by local businesses and groups.  Quota of Gridley reported that more than 150 pre-filled backpacks were provided to youngsters in the community.

Blow up water slides, the splash pad, and CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Departments bucket brigade kept the kids cool, while Emma and Will entertained with live music. A wide variety of vendors sold everything from 3-D dragons to farm-fresh, homemade ice cream.

The undercurrent of excitement grew throughout the night as the bike raffle grew nearer.

Community members, businesses and organizations donated bikes to the Chamber of Commerce, totaling 41 that were raffled off to excited children in the community.

Elaina Mullins, left, smiles as she gets fitted for a complimentary helmet by Rose Alaniz of Butte County Public Health. Their booth at Gridley's National Night Out provided free bike safety gear and information. Photo by Seti Long

Butte County Public Health was there to outfit new bike owners with safety information, new helmets and safety lighting for their new or existing wheels. 

The evening came to a close at 8 p.m., with smiling kiddos wheeling their new rides to their vehicles, munching on churros and sweets, making it another successful National Night Out in the books.