On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the City of Collinsville, along with its Economic and Industrial Development Corporation boards, held its annual National Night Out to honor police officers and first responders, promote public safety and bring the community together.
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Collinsville where they enjoyed a presentation, music from the Collinsville High School marching band and Shield of Honor Pipe and Drums, family-friendly activities and vendor booths.
All police departments in Grayson County were invited to attend this nationwide event. A police unit line-up in downtown Collinsville signaled the kick-off of the event with lights and sirens at 6:30 p.m. to begin the Opening Ceremony.
Then, Grayson County Sheriff Tom Watt addressed the crowd and the high school cheerleaders performed. Kids enjoyed a bounce house and inflatable slide (donated by Aviles Party Rentals), trackless train rides (provided by North Texas Trackless Train Co.) and games. They were also able to explore first responder vehicles up close.
For the eighth consecutive year, Perry’s Pulled Pork provided a delicious dinner to attendees for free.
“This is such a great community event,” event coordinator Avia Roach said. “The football players help clean up, the cheerleaders serve food, the locals help – everyone works together to make this a success.”
This year, the following donors provided raffle prizes or drinks: City of Collinsville, Ritchie Real Estate Group, Innogravers, Collinsville Food Mart, Diamond Crown Store, El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina and Spring Creek Nursery
The following vendors had booths on-site to help promote safety awareness: Collinsville First Baptist Church, Texoma Council of Governments, Collinsville Bible Baptist Church, Innogravers, Golf Cart Solutions, Ritchie Real Estate Group, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Workforce Solutions Texoma. Tammy Oveross- Published author, Bo Mows, Texoma Community Center, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, 4U Credit Union, Independent Financial, Collinsville Church of Christ, Collinsville Park Board, Grayson County Emergency Management, Integrity Medical Clinic, Keep Collinsville Beautiful, Republic Services, Lynn Reed, United Methodist Church – Collinsville, Collinsville Police Dept (free event t-shirts provided by Collinsville Economic Development Corporation) and more.
“I’m so grateful to everyone in our community who helps make this event happen,” Roach said. “It’s important to bring our community and our police department together, and this event is a great way to build relationships and strengthen our community.”