National Night Out event canceled in Niwot

Wind, rain and lightning brought an end to the National Night Out event in Niwot on Aug. 1 before it ever got started. With tables and chairs set up along Murray Street near the 2nd Avenue intersection, the Niwot Community Association's annual event was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks furnished by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Mountain View Fire Rescue and other first responders.

Just as the band trailer was being set up for the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, the light rain turned to heavier rain and lightning, and a windstorm swept through town, taking down tree branches and overturning gates at Whistle Stop Park.

A Colorado State Patrol officer, who was also on hand for the event, announced that the event had been canceled due to the weather, then sped off to answer a call. The event is designed to allow first responders to interact with community members in a non-crisis situation.

David Limbach, president of the Niwot Community Association, announced that the event would not be rescheduled as it is always set for the first Tuesday in August, all across the country. He urged community members to return next summer on Aug. 6 when National Night Out will return.