National Night Out activities planned in Colleyville, Grapevine and Southlake

National Night Out in Northeast Tarrant County will include several area events this month in Colleyville, Grapevine and Southlake.

National Night Out is an annual, nationwide neighborhood watch campaign. The event brings together police and fire departments, homeowners’ associations, public safety vendors, social agencies, churches, local businesses and residents.

Organizers said the program promotes involvement in local crime and drug prevention activities, strengthens police and community partnerships and encourages neighborhood camaraderie as part of national efforts to let criminals know that America is united and dedicated to building a safer, more caring country.

Along with the traditional “lights on” and front porch vigils, cities and towns across America celebrate National Night Out with a variety of events and activities such as block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks, parades, safety demonstrations and visits from law enforcement and emergency rescue personnel.

Grapevine

The city’s National Night Out event will be held citywide, Oct. 6, with more than 40 registered neighborhoods. Officers and firefighters will be making the rounds as well as city staff and council.

Join the Grapevine Police Department for its annual Open House on Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Police Department located at 307 W. Dallas Road.

Residents are invited to meet police officers, view police vehicles and equipment on display and enjoy motorcycle demonstrations.

They will be providing facility tours and serving complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages.

Southlake

The event is set in Southlake on Oct. 10 from 5 p.m.-dark at the Southlake Gazebo on Fountain Place.

There will be police officers and firefighters along with fire trucks, police vehicles, police motorcycles, a petting zoo, clowns, give-a-ways for the kids and super heroes dressed in costume.

This event is tied to Fire Prevention Week.

The Southlake Rotary will be hosting the DPS Appreciation event for staff honoring the firefighter of the year. Rotary also awards scholarships to DPS employees’ kids.

“We always have a huge turnout and it’s lots of fun for the kids and parents, too,” DPS spokeswoman Kim Leach said. “Kids get to climb inside the fire trucks and police units and sit atop the police motorcycles. They get such a kick out of it.”

Colleyville

The city’s event will be held from 6-9 p.m Oct. 6 at Colleyville City Park.

The Police and Fire department’s Citizen’s Academy Alumni Associations sponsor the festivities. It is the primary annual fundraiser for the alumni associations.

The event showcases public safety vehicles, demonstrations and activities. The final activity of the night will be the annual Colleyville Police Department vs. Colleyville Fire Department softball game. The softball game starts at 7 p.m. It is billed as the 7th Annual Mayor’s Cup – Police vs. Fire Softball Challenge.

This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 12:48 PM with the headline "National Night Out activities planned in Colleyville, Grapevine and Southlake."