Night to Unite

Night to Unite/Public Safety Day Activities Canceled for 2020

The longstanding traditions of the Night to Unite Luncheon and the Night to Unite Neighborhood Visits have become the latest victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.   For public health reasons, the events have been canceled for 2020. Although this was a very difficult decision, it is in line with similar cancelations by all of our neighboring jurisdictions.

The tradition in Wayzata dates back 40 years. The day’s events, historically held on the first Tuesday in August, were rescheduled to the first Tuesday in October with hopes of a decrease in the virus and relaxed restrictions. That simply hasn’t happened.

For the same reasons, Public Safety Day, which is held annually in October at the Wayzata Fire Department, has also been cancelled. Staff at both the Wayzata Police and Fire Departments look forward to bigger and better events in 2021!      

- Chief Mike Risvold

Night to Unite Information for 2021

Night to Unite Luncheon

Neighborhoods across Wayzata have been gathering to celebrate Night to Unite for more than 40 years. Wayzata’s Night to Unite kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday in August with the annual Night to Unite Luncheon at the Wayzata Country Club. This is a joint luncheon with the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition, the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce and the Wayzata Rotary. Wayzata Police Chief Mike Risvold will provide an inside look at the department and highlight some of the most significant, and sometimes "bizarre," cases investigated within the past year.

The Jim Fish Award for Crime Prevention will be presented by the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition. The public is invited. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 and can be purchased through the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce website in July.

Visit & Chat with McGruff & Local Officials

Later in the day from about 5:15 to 8:30 p.m., Wayzata Police, Fire, City staff, elected officials, and McGruff (Crime Coalition Mascot) will visit neighborhood parties throughout Wayzata and Long Lake. Along with the police cars and fire trucks, there will be trinkets for kids and a crime prevention message at each stop. This is always a great time to ask questions of elected officials, police officers, firefighters, and city staff. It’s also a great way to get out, meet and visit with your neighbors.

Become a Host

Interested in hosting a gathering in your neighborhood? Fill out our online registration form by July 26, 2021 to register your Night to Unite Block Party. Contact Wayzata Police at 952-404-5340 with questions.

Organizational Tips

Poll your neighbors to gauge their interest in having a Night to Unite Block Party. Then, have a planning meeting to discuss how the following will be completed:

  • Invitations / flyer
  • Menu and paper products - potluck, bring your own, or collect money from neighbors to purchase food and supplies
  • Designate time and location of the block party - street, local park or neighbor’s yard
  • Activities & Games - plan activities & games for kids and adults
  • Ask for donations from area businesses for door prizes
  • Sign up neighbors to set up their portable grills
  • Have someone bring a portable stereo for music
  • Name tags are very helpful, especially for visitors
  • Take lots of pictures (Tag and Share on Facebook with "@WayzataPD")
  • Enjoy the party and before it ends, appoint next year’s organizers or committee