Wolves, leopards and other creatures roamed Capt. John Ryan Park in West Newton on Tuesday, August 6, on the hunt for tempting prey: Free Cabot’s ice cream!
The “animals” — local kids who had their faces painted by Nuria Navarro — enjoyed the frozen treats at the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out celebration.
“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live,” according to the event’s website. “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.”
Nuria Navarro painted a wolf onto the face of Jada Kane, 3, during the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
From right, Evie Kane and Ava, both five, had their faces painted at the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Brandon brought his son Zachary, 3, and daughter Isla, 1, to the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Officer Kim Manouk gave out items at the NPD’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) From right, Joe Prestejohn, Nicolette, and Sid scooped free Cabot’s ice cream at the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Lily, 8, had fun in the bouncy house at the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Officer Kate Pohlman brought “Officer Leo” to the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Jacob Henrickson had fun in the bouncy house during the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Dante Capasso brought his daughter Nella, 2, and son Henry, 5, into a Newton Fire truck during the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Johnny Cupo, 11, had fun trying out a police motorcycle during the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) The band Irish Whispa played for the Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Collage of drone demonstrations by Lt. Dan Poutas at Newton Police Department’s National Night Out (photos: Julie M. Cohen)
In addition to Cabot’s, if attendees preferred salty rather than sweet treats, they could chow down on food from other local eateries like savory empanadas from Che Empanada! and tangy sandwiches from Blue Ribbon BBQ.
While food was plentiful, visitors also could listen to music by Irish Whispa, mingle with politicians ahead of the upcoming election, learn about police and fire equipment, play in a bouncy house, or collect free goodies.
As some children clambered inside a firetruck, others tried sitting on a department motorcycle and watched Lt. Dan Poutas fly a police drone 200 feet into the air. Down on Earth, viewers got a bird’s-eye view of the event, projected on a screen from the camera above.
Although the event started off a bit slow, likely due to the questionable weather, it soon grew to a lively crowd that mingled with members of the Newton Police as the evening progressed.
