By George Slaughter
Freddy the Fire Truck made an appearance at the 2018 National Night Out (George Slaughter photo)
Katy residents and friends will celebrate the annual National Night Out, which is set for 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Katy Play Station and Pavilion at Katy City Park, 5611 Gardenia Lane.
Katy has held an event for the past several years. Katy’s first responders will be there to meet and greet the public, with food and beverages served. The forecast calls for clear and comfortable weather, and the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
While the national event is typically held in August, events in Texas are held in early October due to the hot summers.
The annual National Night Out event began in 1984. According to its website natw.org, the National Night Out movement began in Pennsylvania. It has since grown in popularity nationwide.
“National Night Out grew to become a celebration beyond just front porch vigils and symbolic efforts amongst neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie,” the website said. “Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.”
Tuesday’s celebration is the first of two family-friendly activities happening in the city over the next few days. The annual Katy Rice Festival is set for 6-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. Sunday. Friday’s activities are set for the downtown plaza, with free admission. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children ages 12 and under on Saturday and Sunday.