First responders and members of the community attend the National Night Out party in 2022 at the municipal court’s parking lot. The purpose of the event is to enhance relationships between law enforcement and the community.

SMITH COUNTY — Law enforcement agencies in East Texas will be out Tuesday night, meeting with the residents for the 40th annual National Night Out.

A nationwide event that invites the community to connect with its law enforcement officers, National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday of every October to help build safe communities by getting to know neighbors and the police officers that patrol the communities.

According to the Tyler Police Department, the program promotes neighborhood alliances by strengthening communities and preserving the quality of life in East Texas.

“Through National Night Out, we can strengthen our communities by helping to educate our families, friends and neighbors on crime prevention,” the website said.

Here’s a list of public community events happening in Smith County:

Tyler

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Tyler Police Department will visit and interact with citizens. Among the celebrations at public areas include from 6 to 8 p.m. at the parking lot of Tyler Municipal Court, 813 N Broadway Ave. Along with the police and fire departments, many organizations have teamed up with the court to offer food, fun and prizes. There will be face painting, games, music and so much more.

There will also be block parties at Hillside Park and Hollytree Apartment Complex. Some community officers will attend block parties that are taking place in private residences as well.

Also in Tyler, the Texas African American Museum, located at 209 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Tyler, will provide free food and games, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Hispanic American Association of East Texas will host its NNO celebration starting at 5 p.m. at Centro Hispano – located at 1111 E. Erwin St. in Tyler – featuring entertainment from Danza Conchera de East Texas and Mariachi Los Caporales. There will be numerous vendors. 

Bullard

City of Bullard will host the free community event from 6 to 8 p.m. downtown with music, bounce houses, mechanical bull, cornhole, free food and giveaways.

Whitehouse

The City of Whitehouse will kick things off at the Whitehouse City Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Not only will they have a DJ, the WHISD drumline, Kona Ice and free food, they will also have an obstacle course for kids to see if they have what it takes to become an Honorary Whitehouse Police Officer.

For more events happening in other areas of East Texas, check out this list from our news partners at CBS19.