Firetrucks, police dogs, a caricature artist, bounce houses, a bevy of emergency responders — National Night Out in Bradford will be a dream come true for the region’s little ones.

The event, set for 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday on Chambers Street, was created to promote partnerships with, rather than fear of, police officers and emergency responders.

“Most people only see police during a time of stress — whether as a victim of a crime or as a defendant,” said McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer. “It is important for the community to see that our officers are members of the community, too, with the same goals and concerns as everyone else.

“One of the educational programs we promote at the DA’s Office is to show children that ‘police officers are your friend.’ National Night Out allows children to see the officers in a fun setting,” Shaffer said. “Relationships are built at these events and children seeing police officers in these settings reinforces that police are authority figures they can run to for help, and also as a community member.”

Kathy Obermeyer of Team ERA VP Real Estate, and mother of a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, has been organizing and largely funding the event.

“The first time I went, there were 35 or 40 people,” she said, speaking of the first NNO event. “The year before last — last year was a big storm that made us close early — I had set up for 300 kids,” she said. She prepares and hands out gift bags to the kids. “We went through 200 bags in an hour. I ran out.”

Not one to disappoint a child, Obermeyer got names and addresses, ordered more bags and when they came in within a few weeks, hand-delivered them.

“This year, minus rain, I plan on success,” she said.

And while the event is focused on the kids and relationships with emergency workers, there is something for the parents, too. She has encouraged the law enforcement groups to give out information on job opportunities to adults.

“It’s not just jump houses and goody bags,” she said. “I thought it was a great place for folks to ask and research career opportunities for law enforcement. I want to accentuate the positive.”

Mick Marshall will be the emcee for the event. Famed caricature artist Eric Jones will be there; Bradford High cheerleaders will help with temporary tattoos of dog paws.

And from law enforcement: Police from Bradford City, Bradford Township, Foster Township, state police, Smethport Borough, Otto-Eldred, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the McKean County Sheriff’s Office. The District Attorney’s office will be there, as will the K-9 unit from there and from the city of Bradford. The McKean County Department of Emergency Services, Bradford City Fire Department and Bradford Township and Derrick City volunteer fire departments are due to attend.

Also represented will be A Slice of the 80s handing out free hot dogs, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, YWCA, YMCA, VFW Post 212 and Army National Guard.

“I’ve only got so much room,” Obermeyer said with a laugh.

“I think it’s outgrown the street,” said Bradford Township Chief Robb Shipman, saying he’s watched the event grow each year. “We have such a good response from parents. And it’s great networking with other departments.”

The impact it has on the children is remarkable, he said.

“Some of the kids you interact with, they remember you and when you see them again, they comment,” Shipman said. “After the event, we’ve had some people come to the office to take a tour. I think it’s a great thing.”

Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward loves the opportunity to interact with the public in a fun environment.

“National Night Out is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the neighborhoods we serve. It’s a chance for residents to get to know their local officers in a relaxed, friendly environment.”

It’s fun for the officers and the kids, but it’s more than that.

“This event is more than just a fun evening out; it’s about promoting safety and neighborhood unity,” Ward said. “We encourage everyone to join us for an evening of activities, demonstrations and community-building.”

Foster Township Police Chief Mike Thomas had similar comments.

“I believe it’s going to be a great community event,” he said. Some residents in the townships especially may not have a chance to interact with the police. “It will be interesting to see the turnout.”

For Thomas, he’s in law enforcement to make the world a safer place for kids. Seeing parents instill fear in children about police is disheartening, he said. Events like this, where the children can interact with the officers and realize they are people, too, are special.

“We’re all one, it doesn’t matter race, creed, color, whatever,” Thomas said. At the event, the officers talk and laugh with each other and with the public. “The kids see the camaraderie between the departments. It brings the community together. I look forward to it.”

The camaraderie and good-natured teasing with police and fire departments is good for the children, too. However, it can be a bit of a fun challenge for organizational efforts.

Since the firemen in the past joked that Obermeyer favored the police, she got two bounce houses this year — one of which is a fire truck. The other represents the police.

“It’s a free night,” she said. “Free and fun.”

And the forecast? “It says cloudy on that Tuesday. I can handle that.”