Corsicana —
Amid perfect weather and an enthusiastic bunch of folks who turned out, “Texas Night Out” Tuesday was again a huge success for Corsicana.
The annual evening set aside for people to get to know their neighbors and join in some outdoor fun drew families large and small, with free food, abundant handouts, and plenty of things to climb and slide on to occupy their time.
With Corsicana’s first responders on hand along with several businesses and organizations taking part, the evening was one of fun and information.
And as a bonus, five lucky kids were awarded a bicycle that had been re-furbished for the event from unclaimed bicycles the city has taken in.
Officer James Hudson said the evening is more than just free food and prizes — it’s a chance for kids and their parents to get to know local law enforcement and first responders and develop a trust with them.
“We talk about what our jobs are and what we do ... and things that they can do to help reduce crime,” Hudson said. “It’s very helpful to get them to not be afraid of us — we’re just normal people like anybody else with a job to do. A lot of times, we need their help in doing it.”
Hudson was pleased with the turnout at Jester Park Tuesday, and participation among other agencies and businesses had grown as well. Represented at the event were Chili’s, Applebee’s, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Kohl’s Cares volunteers, the Corsicana Children’s Dental Group, IMPACT Navarro, VOICE, Corsicana’s Animal Control officers, along with Corsicana Police and Fire Department personnel.
Those in attendance came away with a lot of useful information for youngsters and families, including brochures and flyers on fire and home safety, drug and alcohol abuse, bike and skate safety and plenty to eat and drink.
Texas Night Out is affiliated with the nationwide celebration of “National Night Out.” The national event is usually held in August. Texas lets the weather cool off a bit by holding its celebration in October.
An album of pictures from the event is available on the Daily Sun’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/corsicanadailysun.
Winners of the bicycles were
Zachary Washburn – Age 9
Graham Conklin – Age 8
Jermaine Garrett – Age 5
A’Rhianna Henry – Age 5
Giovani Martinez – Age 4
———
On the web: nationaltownwatch.org
—————
Bob Belcher may be reached by email at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
