– Jeff Herman
“Even if you live in a big city, everybody lives in a small town. We identify ourselves by our neighborhoods.” – Karin Soughter
National Night Out evolved from the most basic of concepts – neighbors simply turning on their porch lights and hanging out together in front of their homes. Now, in its thirty-third year, National Night Out involves 38 million people in 16,000 communities across the U.S. This year, Brays Oaks Management District is again helping bring our communities together by sponsoring DJs, food, and fun for the October 2nd event.
Brays Oaks Management District Board Member, Starla Turnbo, is serving as the local chairperson responsible for organizing and facilitating National Night Out activities. Her infectious enthusiasm has helped bring together some fantastic vendors who will be offering unique and entertaining activities. The Bee Busy Wellness Center will have their mobile unit onsite to provide basic health screenings. Movies and videos will be projected by the folks at Blanket Top Theater. Even more food and fare will be provided by local restaurants and small businesses, so expect plenty of options including, hotdogs, popcorn, and burgers.
National Night Out also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Community members getting to engage with law enforcement officers and other community leaders in a fun, festive environment is a wonderful way to “put faces with names.” It also emphasizes that we are all part of the fabric that makes up our neighborhoods. “My favorite aspect of National Night Out is the community really getting to meet and see police officers in a friendly, off duty environment,” says Ms. Turnbo.
National Night Out really gained momentum back when Mayor Annise Parker began promoting the idea during her administration. Ben Brewer, Executive Director of Brays Oaks Management District noted that city leaders were also smart in moving the original event from August to October when the weather was more conducive to an evening event. “This is a family oriented event where you can see the local officers out of their patrol cars and having fun,” says Brewer.
BOMD helps with funding for the event, but other community organizations also participate and help organize the event, including Southwest Houston 2000.
Community is made stronger with security, familiarity, and compassion for your neighbors. Get to know your neighbors, celebrate together, and meet the men and women in law enforcement who keep us safe by joining us for National Night Out.
Please note, in the past hundreds of people have attended this event, so get there early!
The event starts at 6pm located in the parking lot of Fiesta – 11240 Fondren Rd, Houston, 77096