LA FERIA — It has brought the community together in the past and now Police Chief Cesar Diaz is leading the way for the city to make National Night Out a staple in the community.
In a few days, the police department and the city will be celebrating the 35th annual National Night Out crime prevention program.
“Its going to be a little get together,” Diaz said. “Local businesses will be there giving out free stuff.”
Kids will be able to pick up school supplies, enjoy games, moon jumps and hot dogs.
Last year, kids won free slushies from Stars when they won a game.
“This is the type of activities the city needs to have on a regular basis,” Diaz said. He said now that the city has more facilities, they want to utilize them.
This year will mark the second annual National Night Out community event open to the public.
It is scheduled for Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dome located at 900 Pancho Maples Drive on the north side of town.
Children will be given school backpacks and school supplies to gear up for the upcoming school year provided by the police department.
“Last year, the police department passed out more than 300 backpacks with school supplies to area children who attended,” Diaz said. “This year we are going to try and give out 500 or more.”
To help stuff the bags with supplies, the police department has collected donations with its community fundraiser collecting school supplies.
Those who attend will meet with area law enforcement and local business organizations at the event.
The city will join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative, police-community crime prevention efforts.
Diaz said he plans to have law enforcement agencies involved to meet the community.
He said kids will be able to take a close look at police cars and trucks and get to know the area officers.
He said the event’s intent is to give back to the community and get the community involved.
The city recently approved a proclamation designating Aug. 9 National Night Out day.
“The chief knows how to throw a party,” said Eric Hoff, La Feria mayor pro-tem. “Last year’s event was a success.”
