National Night Out set for Oct. 4 in Gonzales

The Gonzales Police Department and Gonzales Main Street will join forces to host National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Apache Practice Field, 500 Tate St., Gonzales. The event promotes first responder partnership with the community and neighborhood camaraderie.

Also expected to take part in the event are the Gonzales ISD police, Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office, Gonzales County EMS and Gonzales Fire Department. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with first responders. There will also be games for children and vehicle tours.

Come dunk an officer in the dunk tank or take part in the bike rodeo and bike parade. Free hot dogs will be given out and there will be a performance by Prohibited, a band comprised of Gonzales High School students.

Educational booths will also feature representatives from Palmetto State Park, Gonzales Veterinary Clinic, Gonzales Health Clinic and other area organizations and businesses.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Neighborhoods throughout the community are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors to show unity against criminal activity and join Gonzales city council members, other city officials and public safety personnel.

The primary purpose of National Night Out is to build strong partnerships between the police and communities and to promote crime awareness programs such Neighborhood Community Watch groups. According to National Association of Town Watch (NATW), which sponsors National Night Out, last year's event was the largest ever, involving 38 million people in 16,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories and military bases worldwide.