Gonzales County celebrates National Night Out

Heavy rains didn’t deter residents in Gonzales County from hanging out with first responders during their National Night Out events on Tuesday.

In Gonzales, residents went to the thrive Healthplex while about 100 people from the Smiley and Nixon communities went to their respective block parties at the cities fire departments.

National Night Out is a block party during which communities can get to know their local first responders, including sheriff’s deputies, local police, EMS and fire department personnel. During the event, guests in Nixon and Smiley were treated to hot dogs, cookies and lemonade.

Smiley’s event, its second annual, attracted a crowd of about 50 citizens, as did Nixon. Both events were held at the cities fire departments.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to get to know their law enforcement and emergency services personnel,” Smiley City Marshal Mark Soto said. “Here, they have an opportunity to bring up any concerns to first responders, and they can meet with them face to face. It’s a chance for everyone to visit and get to know one another.”

Nixon Mayor Gladyne Finch was pleased with her community’s attendance and participation, and that the event - the city’s first ever - was a success despite the rain.

“Our goal was to help the people to get to know their first responders better,” Finch said. “The kids enjoyed playing in the police cars, they were amazed. They made new friends. I think everyone did.”