The event had to be called off last year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Josh Medlin of Minot brought his 4- and 2-year-old sons to the event. Sampson, who is almost 4, and 2-year-old Jericho pointed excitedly at the military equipment on display at the U.S. Air Force Security Forces booth.

The Medlins and other attendees also had a chance to see a working demonstration by police and military dogs, commonly known as K9s, and to see vehicles and equipment from area law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Air Force Security Forces.

Minot Police Department Master Officer Dana Pollman, who is assigned to the bomb squad, was operating a robot that the bomb squad can send into buildings in dicey situations to conduct surveillance. Pollman said the robot improves safety and keeps the human police officers more safe. He also enjoyed meeting members of the public.

Andrea Johnson/MDN Laurie Schlichting and sons Benjamin, 11, and Ezekiel, 6, talk with Minot Public Library librarian Janet Anderson and children’s librarian Randi Monley on Tuesday during the National Night Out event on Tuesday at Minot’s Roosevelt Park.

National Night Out is a national event started in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch. It is held in multiple states and is intended to promote police and neighborhood partnerships and improve good will. It has been held in North Dakota since 2010 and has been held in 20 cities across the state.

Andrea Johnson/MDN Air Force Senior Airman Landen Peterson, handler of 5-year-old K9 Pepino, and decoy Sgt. Christian Alston do a dry run before the demonstrations during National Night Out at Roosevelt Park on Tuesday.