About 400 people were on hand for the first Night Out program at Montana State University-Northern Tuesday night.

A festive atmosphere prevailed.

• Young people gathered around the Blackhawk helicopter brought to the

Student Union Building lawn by the U. S. Border Patrol’s Havre sector.

• Lines formed to get barbecued pork and cake. Local busiensses donated the money for the food, and free-will offerings went to the Boys & Girls club of the Hi-Line.

• McGruff the Crime Dog entertained young people.

• Kids were enthralled by the Havre Police Department’s car that was parked on the law with lights flashing.

• And some young people got into the spirit by “arresting” their friends with play weapons.

The program was designed to get the community to feel free interacting with police, and Havre Police Chief Kirt Fitch said it was a success.

The chief said he heard lots of good comments on the festivities from people in attendance.

He said many people were surprised by the various organizations that in one way or another help out in law enforcement.

Hill County Search and Rescue, Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol and Havre Police were some of the organizations that took part in the event.

There will be another Night Out next year, he said.