National Night Out Set For October 7

After months of planning National Night Out is finally here. Organizers have scheduled many activities all across town and they hope for a large turnout for this annual event.

"We are hoping for a big turnout. We want each year to be bigger and better. When we first started planning this, we weren’t sure of the response that we would get. Everyone has really stepped up and planned a great evening," said Van Police Chief Kelly Smith.

The event will be held in Van on Tuesday, October 7. National Night Out is an annual event that is held in communities across the nation to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in anticrime groups, strengthen neighborhood spirit and community-police relationships and to let criminals know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.

"We have block parties scheduled at the Methodist Church, Church of Christ, Brookshire’s, the nursing home and at the Police/Fire Department. The Friends of the Library will be sponsoring a party at the Van Community Center and there are a number of parties scheduled in individual neighborhoods," said Smith.

Smith said that the individual block parties will be held at Mayor Billy Wilson’s house on Mulberry St.; at Bill Smith’s house on Pecan St.; and at Councilman Al McCarty’s house on Walnut St.

"We are asking that if you can’t make it out to a block party, then please leave your porch light on in support of the event," said Smith.

Smith said the night’s events will kick off at 7 p.m. and these block parties will include food, live music and there will be bounce houses for the kids in one or more locations. The fire department is also sponsoring an obstacle course for children.

Smith said that his department had received a donation of 300 child identification kits. He said that the kits will be available free on that night. The kits allow fingerprints, DNA and a photo to be collected from a child. The department will also be handing out vehicle theft prevention material and Halloween candy bags.

Smith also said that Carter Bloodcare Center will be on hand. Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. All donors must provide photo identification.

Anyone interested in being a volunteer for the National Night Out celebration in Van should call the Van Police Department at 903-963-5222 or call Jessica Goode at 903-638-4210.