Meeting neighbors is fun and games in Bridge City

David Ball

For The Record

Though the National Night Out (NNO) is a fun and free family oriented event with food, drinks, games, vendors and other attractions, It's also a good way for the community to get together and meet with new and old neighbors, according to B.J. Hanneman, director of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce.

"National Night Out is open to everyone, not just Bridge City and Orangefield residents. We welcome everybody," she said. "There will be free food with hot dogs and popcorn, drinks, games, a bounce house. The Cardinal Singers (from Bridge City High School) will sing the National Anthem. It's like a festival, but there are no rides. There will be all kinds of games for kids and there will be business drawings for adults."

NNO will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2 at the Bridge City Park Pavilion, 101 Parkside Dr. The event is sponsored by the Bridge City Chamber. Local businesses supply the food and drink. Music Matters will be deejaying.

Personnel from the Bridge City Police Department, the Bridge City Volunteer Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance will be attendance.

Hanneman said it's good first responders will be there so children can meet with them and not be afraid to speak with them.

"So many businesses are setting up (with booths). We're expecting to have 35 of them which would be the biggest attendance we've ever had. We'll have businesses from all over the Golden Triangle. It grows every year. We didn't have an exact number because it's a free event, but we estimated there were 750 people in attendance last year, even with (Tropical Storm) Harvey.

"It's not too late to have a booth. The deadline is October 1. There's no charge for a booth, but no sales are allowed. It's all giveaways."

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, according to their website.

"National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances," it read.

"Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October).

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more."

"We have new people moving in all the time to Bridge City and Orangefield," Hanneman said. "Besides kid's activities it's a chance for people to know the entire community."

To set up a booth or form more information, call B.J. Hanneman at 409-735-5671.