By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

 

GROVES — A little bit of rain couldn’t stop community efforts to build positive relationships with law enforcement.

Lions Parks in Groves hosted National Night Out on Tuesday, which is meant to bring neighborhoods together with police in a fun atmosphere.

Highlights included pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, photo booth, emergency vehicle displays, free handouts and raffles. Food and drinks were available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the free event.

The pony rides and bounce houses were overwhelming favorites, with lines of children excitedly waiting to participate in both.

This year’s Groves event benefited local animal rescue programs, including the groups Pups In Peril and Mid County Paws. Event attendees donated items such as dog food, Clorox wipes, puppy pads, dog collars, leashes, harnesses, treats, metal food bowls, KONGS dog toys, paper towels and garbage bags to be entered into a bicycle raffle.

While attendance was on the lighter side at the start of Tuesday’s National Night Out, more people started to trickle in throughout the evening during the four-hour event, despite periodic rain showers.

The purpose of National Night Out is to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to information on the Groves Texas National Night Out Facebook page.