Community Gathers for National Night Out

GONZALES — Hundreds of Gonzales families turned out Monday evening for the annual National Night Out, hosted by the Gonzales Police Department at the Edward’s Association Community Center. The two-hour event brought neighbors, first responders, and organizations from across the community together for an evening that blended safety education with family fun. 

The night’s biggest attractions included a tug-of-war showdown between the Gonzales High School football team and local first responders. With Judge Deidra Voigt officiating, the Apaches pulled off a best-of-three victory as the Apache band and cheerleaders rallied the crowd. Nearby, the Gonzales Police Department’s dunking booth kept lines of kids laughing as they tried to drop officers and volunteers into the tank. 

The Greater Gonzales Crime Stoppers organization gave away four brand-new bicycles, each paired with a helmet donated by the Pilot Club of Gonzales, while the Pilot Club and Gonzales Anchor Club led their interactive BrainMinders™ program—teaching kids about safety through games and storytelling. 

Children also explored patrol cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, trying on safety gear and meeting the officers, firefighters, and EMTs who serve Gonzales each day. First responders from multiple agencies spoke with families about emergency response, home safety, and community awareness. 

Dozens of civic, business, and nonprofit partners joined in, including Gonzales Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, EMS, DPS, Gonzales ISD Police, Constable Johnnie Hall, and Texas Game Wardens. Community organizations such as the Gonzales Lions Club, Norma’s House, FCCLA, Eastside Baptist Church, Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, YMCA, Girl Scouts Troop 5082, Boy Scouts of America, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension were also on hand. 

Local businesses and sponsors—including HEB, which provided free hot dogs and bottled water—helped make the event possible alongside Walmart, Whataburger, GVEC, GVTC, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Barajas Insurance Group, Victoria College, Purple Cactus Pottery, Cow Palace, Energy Waste, Next Concepts, and many others. The Miss Gonzales royal court greeted families and helped hand out prizes throughout the evening. 

With live demonstrations, games, and giveaways, this year’s National Night Out once again highlighted Gonzales’ close-knit spirit and the value of partnership between residents and those who serve them. 

Observed nationwide, National Night Out encourages neighborhoods to come together with law enforcement to promote safety, unity, and crime prevention. In Gonzales, it continues to be one of the city’s most anticipated community events—proof that teamwork and trust remain the foundation of local public safety.