By George Slaughter
Scattered showers might have dampened, but did not discourage, attendees of the annual Katy National Night Out Tuesday evening.
National Night Out began years ago, Katy Police Sgt. Scott Arnold said. It encouraged neighbors to get out and know their neighbors.
“Safety comes in numbers, knowing your territory, and knowing your neighbors,” Arnold said. “If you see something out of the ordinary, you can call and have it checked out. It encourages the neighbors to be here, to get out, to get together and get to know each other, and that creates a safer environment in that neighborhood when everybody knows each other.”
The annual National Night Out event began in 1984. According to its web site, the National Night Out movement began in Pennsylvania. The event grew in popularity nationwide, and Katy has held an event for the past several years. The national event it typically held in August but events in Texas are normally held in early October, in deference to the hot Texas summers.
The Katy police and fire departments were represented at the event, which was held at Katy City Park, 5611 Gardenia Lane.
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- Katy Police Officer Jimmy Jones and Katy resident Steve Day stand in front of a police motorcycle at Tuesday’s National Night Out – George Slaughter photo
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- Greg Goedecker, the city’s new emergency management director, had pens and other swag for National Night Out attendees Tuesday – George Slaughter photo
In addition to the usual swag—flashlights, lanyards, pens, and the like—free beverages, cotton candy, hot dogs, and snow cones were served. Balloons and a face painting station were popular attractions with the children.