Tuesday night, the Whitesboro Police Department hosted National Night Out, a community event that aims to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and its citizens. It had been several years since Whitesboro last hosted such an event, as some city leaders felt it was too close to the city’s Peanut Festival.
This year, Mayor Dave Blaylock approached City Administrator Julie Arrington and asked if it would be possible to bring the event back to the city. They approached Police Chief Alex Coss with the idea, and he, Assistant to the Police Chief Curlen Barger and police staff jumped on board.
Keeping it simple, the event included only a few vendors -- Whitesboro Police, WISD Police and Fire Departments, Keep Whitesboro Beautiful, Veterans Association of Whitesboro and the Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce.
The police department paid for Chilly Willie’s Shaved Ice to provide small snow cones to attendees. Cook’s Main Stage provided music, and families could enjoy bounce houses, pumpkin painting, popcorn and goodie bags, all for free.
Police and fire apparatus were on-site for kids to explore. The city also had several vehicles for the community to see up close, including a bucket truck, loader and brand new dump truck.
“I love these kinds of events,” Whitesboro Police Officer Lew Hatch said. “Being out here with the community, this is what it’s all about.”
Around 300 people attended the event, which lasted from 6-9 p.m. at Whitecotton Park.
“I’m really happy with tonight’s turn-out,” Coss said. “Curlen planned and coordinated the majority of this event, and she did a great job,”
It was a beautiful night for the community to gather and get to know Whitesboro’s first responders. Citizens and city leaders alike are already looking forward to next year’s event.
