Local residents organize several National Night Out | parties local

Nine residents hosted National Night Out block parties Tuesday in Harker Heights.

Harker Heights Police Department Community Services Officer Crystal Thomas reported that there were supposed to be 10 stops, but there was a last-minute cancellation.

City Council members, city staff, first responders, police vehicles, fire department units, the Harker Heights Ghost Busters and the Harker Heights City Bus split into two routes to cover those residences that previously signed up to host a location.

A large contingent of police and fire first responders and emergency units made up the two caravans that crossed the city from 5.30pm.

One of the newest entries to the caravan was the Harker Heights Ghost Busters made up of Target staff members Brandon Abrisio, Angleas Diaz and Jacob Feldman.

Locations and hosts include:

206 West Cardinal Lane- members of the First United Methodist Church

304 Mary Jo Drive – Jimmy Tittle

521 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. — Big Oaks Mobile Home Park

1603 Citation Loop – Corey and Jen Johnson

2023 River Rock: Teresa Adams and Julia Hardwick

1100 Prospector Trail – Michael Poundstone

Quail Estates — Ray Nauta

Bella Vista Loop — Kimberly Beers

Iron Jacket Trail: Professional Mayor Jennifer McCann.

City Manager David Mitchell told the Herald, “This is a great turnout and shows the passion people have for their neighborhoods and the appreciation for the firefighters/paramedics and police officers who serve the our city”.

Mayor Spencer Smith and Pro Tem McCann presented proclamations, at each of their respective locations, expressing gratitude to those who participated in hosting the National Night Out event.

First-time host Michael Poundstone at Prospector Trail was pleased with the turnout and receiving the accolade, then told the crowd: “We’re going to do it again next year and we’re going to do it right!”

Host Ray Nauta was the host of Quail Estates and had gathered a large group of residents from his neighborhood.

There were several vendors and even a mobile food truck serving donuts, which were taken advantage of by HHPD first responders.

The caravan made its way to 2023 River Rock, where Teresa Adams and Julia Hardwick served as hostesses with food, bounce houses and a large crowd in attendance.

Adams told the Herald it was her third time hosting a block party. He said numbers were down this year, but about 200 people attended in 2021.

When asked by the Herald why she has organized these block parties, she said: “People love it and it’s a great way to meet your neighbours. The kids love the police officers and the fire trucks and it’s a wonderful way for the community to come together.”

HHPD Police Chief Betiale Hawkins, II told the Herald at one of the stops, “It’s great to see these kids out here.

They give us hugs and we give them gifts.”

“Building our relationship with both youth and senior citizens is what this National Night event is all about.”

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