National Night Out downtown kickoff party set for October 1 in Copperas Cove

By BRITTANY FHOLER

Cove Leader-Press

The city of Copperas Cove’s 24th annual National Night Out kickoff party starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 1 in downtown Copperas Cove.

The annual event is the city’s official party for the community, ahead of the individual neighborhood block parties that are scheduled for the following Tuesday, October 4. The party will take place at the corner of Avenue E and S. Main Street.

This year marks the 39th National Night Out, which is a nationwide initiative aimed at four purposes: to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, to generate support and participation for local anti-crime programs; to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership, and send a message that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to a press release issued by the Copperas Cove Police Department.

“We are asking residents in neighborhoods to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police,” the release said.

Lt. Krystal Baker, with CCPD Community Services, said that this party is the first event since before the COVID-19 pandemic, since the one last year was affected by inclement weather.

“This event is important because it is another opportunity for us to build relationships with members of our community,” Baker said. “We are expecting a great turnout this year and look forward to kicking things off downtown on Saturday, October 1st.”

The Kickoff Party will feature several vendors offering giveaways and activities for all ages, including bounce houses, face painting, and more, plus raffle tickets and prizes.

Hotdogs, chips, cookies, and soft drinks will be served for 25 cents. Numerous children’s and adult activities, as well as door prizes will be given away throughout the evening. Some of the events are at no charge and others are priced at only 25 cents each. Everyone is invited, so come on out, meet your neighbors, and have some fun

Copperas Cove Police officers and Copperas Cove firefighters will be making the rounds and visiting the different block parties on Tuesday evening.

“We really encourage citizens to participate in the block parties and take this opportunity to get to know us, and their neighbors so we can work together to keep Copperas Cove a safe place to live,” Baker said.

Those looking to register their block party can contact Lt. Krystal Baker at 254-547-8222 ext. 6956 or kbaker@copperascovetx.gov, or by picking up the block party registration forms from the Copperas Cove Police Department, or by downloading the form from the City Website at www.copperascovetx.gov.