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HIBBING Its a scene youve visited a million times over, and as Minnesotan, one you learn to cherish during the blissful heat of summer were talking about the iconic backyard barbecue.

You know the days when its too hot to even think about cooking indoors, so you fire up your grill. Your neighbors are doing the same, and soon enough, you find yourself hosting an awesome, casual party that you didnt even have to plan.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, Hibbing Police Department (HPD) will be hosting a barbecue for the residents of Hibbing and the surrounding areas as part of National Night Out (NNO). The grill will be on and hamburgers and hotdogs will be served in the citys back yard Bennett Park beginning at 4 p.m. with events scheduled until 7 p.m. And in good ol fashioned barbecue etiquette, organizers ask you to bring a pre-packaged food item or beverage with you to share.

A party of this magnitude takes some planning to pull off, but Hibbing Police Officer and National Night Out Coordinator Rachel Shiek has it under control.

Last year we had about 3,000 to 4,000 people come out, and were hoping to see the same turnout if not more, she said.

The whole idea got started after Shiek was invited to various neighborhood gatherings around Hibbing. She thought it was great and wanted to get the whole community involved. Thats when she proposed the idea to HPD Chief Maryann Hooper who agreed and told Shiek to run with it.

Last years event was a smashing success and the HPD has an even bigger event in store this year more food and more fun.

No one is making money off this event. Its not political. Its just a way to get comfortable with one another, Shiek said. We (HPD) are planning to have information tables out with resources about Internet safety, drug use and abuse information, how to keep your house safe from burglary that kind of thing. We want it to be an event that everyone can enjoy.

In addition to a bigger and better bounce house, youll have a chance to soak a cop. Shiek has police officers from all different departments lined up and ready to sit a shift in the dunk tank.

Itll be fun to watch them get soaked in their uniform, she laughed.

And its that good-natured kind of fun Shiek hopes will spur casual conversations between residents and all the groups that will be represented that night, formally or not.

Youll have your chance to explore squad cars from HPD and the cadet training cars at Hibbing Community College. Hibbing Fire Department plans to be there with a rig or two, and there will be tons of fun events for everyone including games, face painting and live music from the city band.

Hibbing resident James Plese Jr. feels he knows his neighbors pretty well, but is looking forward to connecting with people he doesnt see that often. His wife and kids were at last years event, and they all plan to make it to the park this year.

I see so much negativity about our community lacking things to do that I feel that its really important to support the events that come about that are family-friendly, he said.

In 2015, Hibbing was listed as the safest city in Minnesota. After a rash of homicides this past year, Hibbing doesnt register on any top 10, 25 or 50 safest city lists in Minnesota.

Hibbing Mayor Rick Cannata plans to attend the NNO event, and was proud of the great turnout last year.

I appreciate the work of Officer Shiek and all the helpful volunteers that are working hard to make this happen, she said. I was born and raised here, and I still think its a great, safe community.

The majority of our town is full of very good citizens. By showing up on Tuesday night, we can show that were a stronger community than we think, she said. Networking is so important. Its important to be comfortable talking to the officers. Were here for support. Were not always looking to make an arrest. Were here for anyone who needs us, if you dont know where to turn, call us. We can find ways to help you before your situation gets worse.

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