If you just want to see pics and video, go to www.desertphotos.net

Thomas Edison said "80 per cent of success is showing up," and that's what Eddy County did for National Night Out (NNO) on August 3-4. NNO was observed not just in Carlsbad this year, but also at one block party "in the county," and four block parties in Artesia, the latter sponsored by Artesia Police Department. In southern Eddy County, there were 31 block parties (including the first-ever mall party, thank you Carlsbad Mall for jumping on board), at locations all over town.

We congratulate and thank everyone who participated or helped in some way with this year's NNO. Special recognition goes to first-time host Mark Florez for hosting the biggest new party ever, on N. Oak. St. There were 80 people at Mark's party! Anthony and Elba Alanzo's party on N. Olive St. boasts the biggest attendance ever recorded at a Carlsbad NNO block party; 85 people. Ashley Bock of Edward St. hosted a block party that included five dogs, plus her neighbors! Pets are part of a neighborhood too, and we're happy to hear they were welcomed at her party.

Every year, these block parties lend themselves to new connections that result in safer, more connected neighborhoods. Some of these successes are purely joyful; others sobering. From NNOs past, examples include: a reduced speed limit on one block, a new stop sign in an area with a large child population, and a housebound couple saved from a fire because passers-by knew them from their NNO block party and acted with valor. To all of you who hosted, attended or somehow supported a block party, your NNO planning team is extraordinarily grateful. To our sponsors, DEVON ENERGY, WAL-MART, LAKESIDE MEATS, EDDY COUNTY SHERIFF'S POSSE, and any others that I may be unintentionally overlooking, thank you.

The participation of first responders is critical to the success of NNO. We couldn't do this without participation by CARLSBAD POLICE AND FIRE, and EDDY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. This year, the Carlsbad chapter of NATIONAL GUARD got into the act, giving Humvee rides to the kids at the Hall Addition party, a great source of entertainment and learning. Thank you to ALL first responders, and their administrators, who took part in NNO. It is because of you that this event works.

Hats off to the CITY OF CARLSBAD and COUNTY OF EDDY, who helped in so many ways. LOCAL BUSINESSES who allowed us to post banners or mail flyers contribute so much to getting the word out too.

This year saw the NNO kickoff move to Monday night, instead of Tuesday, so as to facilitate participation in both events and to ease demands on first responders. Cavern City Runners' NNO 1 mile Fun Run drew 89 entries, many of those being teams of INTREPID POTASH, also a sponsor of the event. Results are attached to this posting. MOSAIC CO. and SOUTHWEST DAIRY FARMERS provided support for the evening's events. G MONEY PRODUCTIONS supplied tunes and helped everyone enjoy a dance in the streets. A local couple provided HOMEMADE ICE CREAM as a give-away, can you believe it?! What a hit! BOYS & GIRLS CLUB kept the younger ones up to their ears in fun and games. SHERIFF MENDOZA helped us clear the street and did a lot of heavy lifting, and as always, our stalwart NNO planning team was there to keep it all going. Our very own ALISON BRYANT got a dance in with KCCC radio celebrity ERNIE WHITE, much to her surprise, and we will be ribbing her about that for a long time to come.

Local media providers were present throughout NNO. CHANNEL 23, DESERT PHOTOS, CARLSBAD CURRENT-ARGUS, and local radio stations provided coverage that helped raise awareness of NNO. It's working, because this year only one person asked me, "what's NNO?" Instead, folks usually asked if someone was hosting a party in their neighborhood. Check out www.desertphotos.net to see videos and photos of both the kickoff and block parties.

We will never know how many people contributed in some way to NNO this year. If you did, please accept our gratitude for a job well done. If there is a story to tell, or pictures to share, from your block party, please email me at jump.clear@plateautel.net or call Alison Bryant, 706-4132.