Anna Sets National Night Out for Oct. 6, Opens Block Party Registration

Anna is gearing up for National Night Out, the annual community event that pairs neighbors with local police and fire personnel, set for Tuesday, Oct. 6. The city is encouraging residents across Anna to host block parties, from small get-togethers to larger neighborhood events, as a way to build relationships between neighbors and first responders. Registration for block parties is open through Sept. 28. Residents who register a block party will be entered into a drawing for a Block Party Trailer stocked with games and supplies, according to the city. National Night Out began in 1984 as a national effort to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, and it is now observed each fall by thousands of communities nationwide, including cities across Collin County. Anna's police and fire departments typically participate directly in registered block parties, sending officers and firefighters to meet residents outside a traditional call-response setting. City officials describe the event as one of the year's biggest opportunities for residents to meet the officers and firefighters who serve their neighborhoods, and to connect with neighbors as Anna continues to add new residents and subdivisions.