National Night Out an Annual Event to Meet Your Neighbors

It is time to meet and greet your neighbors and the policing agencies that represent you.  This is as easy as putting on some comfortable shoes and heading out to the National Night Out gathering in Midtown Houston. The free event is set for 5pm-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4th, at Bagby Park 415 Gray at Bagby.

“Especially now, it’s really important for residents and stakeholders to come out and meet their patrolling officers, their Midtown Houston board members that work as volunteers to help this community, and staff,” said Bill Franks, Chairman, Midtown Management District Board of Directors.

“We’re looking out for each other and we take ownership of the safety of our community,” he added.

Now in its 32nd year, National Night Out (NNO) is a community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

Most importantly, it sends a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  Last week we asked you to be the eyes and ears of the neighborhood to help reduce crime, and now we’re inviting you to come out and share an evening getting to know the “other” eyes and ears in your community.

Officers from the Houston Police Department, Metro Police Department and Harris County County Pct. 7 Constable’s Office will be on hand to discuss safety tips and their law-enforcement efforts in our community.

“National Night is a good time for people to come out, meet their neighbors and law enforcement, discuss issues and brainstorm solutions to improve the Midtown community,” said Pct. 7 Sgt. Odell Haynes. “We will be providing literature regarding safety issues in the community that the neighbors can share with each other.”

Some Midtown businesses will also be on hand in a show of support for National Night Out, which was established in 1984 with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. Nationwide, NNO participants are planning block parties, cookouts, parades, contests, youth activities and seminars.

Midtown Houston will provide complimentary food, first-come, first-served, as well as games for all ages. And Rico’s Morning + Noon + Night will have music playing at its kiosk.

“We think it’s a really great event, and it’s a unique opportunity for residents to come out and meet their neighbors and other people that are living and spending their time in the Midtown area,” said Jason West, community manager of Camden Travis Street Apartments at 2700 Travis St.

“It’s important to show that Midtown cares about the people who live here, and not only that, but to give them a chance to see what resources are available that contribute to our overall public safety,” he said.

Midtown businesses and residents are encouraged to participate in the annual event, with everything from setting up tables to distribute literature, sharing information about community gardens and special events, networking or donating gifts to distribute.  Midtown Houston will distribute information on community events, be on-hand to discuss projects in the community and giveaway (some really cool) Midtown Houston swag.

It’s an opportunity to promote your business and to connect with the community.  Whether you’ve been here two days or 20 years, we invite you to share an evening networking, volunteering and sharing.

To volunteer or for additional information, contact Mechelle Phillips at events@bagbypark.com. And of course, there is no fee to participate.