The city of Alton hosted National Night Out on Oct. 22 at Sylvia Vela Park. The event brought residents together with law enforcement agencies that operate in the city. Alton Police Chief Mark Perez spoke at the opening. He told the Progress Times the turnout was great. He said the goal is for residents to get to know police and feel comfortable approaching them.
Mayor Salvador Vela attended and spoke with residents. He was there representing the Lions Club, which hosted a car show during the event. Vela said he was glad to see police and residents interacting. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, La Joya ISD Police Department and Donna Police Department also took part. Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios operated a stand at the event and said National Night Out is about community.
According to the story, National Night Out was first held in 1984 and is organized nationally by the National Association of the Watch. Cities in Texas and other states often hold it in October to avoid the summer heat. This year's event included live music, school performances and a Halloween costume contest. Law enforcement and community volunteers handed out candy.