(Guadalupe County) — Maybe there will be a large block party. Maybe it will be a backyard barbecue, a potluck dinner, a few games with the kids or simply a neighbor stepping outside and saying hello.
But no matter how it looks, local law enforcement officials say National Night Out is less about how fancy the gathering is and more about taking the time to connect with the people who live around you.
Today, Oct. 6 marks the Texas observance of National Night Out.
Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady says the annual event is all about connection.
“It’s also an opportunity for neighbors that live next to each other and down the street to get out and meet each other,” said Brady. “Crime prevention is, and in safe neighborhoods, is knowing your neighbors, knowing your neighborhood, know who belongs.”
Brady says knowing the people who live nearby can make a difference when it comes to recognizing something that does not seem right.
“It’s just an opportunity to go out, you know, so the police department tries to facilitate these events, but really we want to see the community engaging and getting to know your neighbors and having meaningful dialogue and making relationships,” said Brady.
As of Monday, the Seguin Police Department had 27 registered National Night Out events in the city of Seguin.
Across Guadalupe County, Lt. Zach McBride with the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office says deputies will also be providing a presence at several events in the unincorporated areas of the county.
He says no matter where they are, residents should not feel like they need to organize a large party to participate.
“You really don’t even have to have a party per se. I mean, just turn on your porch light, step outside, greet your neighbors,” said McBride said. “It’s really one of the best crime prevention tools that we have is neighbors knowing neighbors.”
McBride says the sheriff’s office is also seeing a shift in events as longtime organizers pass on their traditions to new residents and new groups in the area.
One special event planned in the county will take place at the Marion Community Library, where children ages 6 to 12 can participate in “Laser Tag with the Law” from 7 to 9 p.m. McBride says several of their deputies will be on hand for the event.
For those who have never participated in National Night Out, Brady says there is no need “to overthink it” and that “it doesn’t have to be fancy.” In fact, a simple gathering, he says, can provide an opportunity to meet someone new or simply check on a neighbor.
Residents who would like to register for a National Night Out event should contact their respective law enforcement agency so officers can be made aware of the gathering and, if possible, can stop by to visit with residents. However, residents are reminded that they do not have to register their event to participate in today’s National Night Out observance.