Italy National Night Out

Cindy Sutherland Posted October 6, 2011 3:00am Italy PD

Image: Italy police chief, Diron Hill with his police officers getting ready for the big night. — Italy police chief, Diron Hill with his police officers getting ready for the big night. (Cindy Sutherland)

Italy’s National Night Out Event was held on Tuesday, October 4th. And this year Italy went all out. They had free hot dogs for everyone, games, a bounce house and even a band.

Italy Police Chief Diron Hill started the evening out with a walking parade to the George E. Scott Memorial Park. The Italy Jr. High cheerleaders lead the way carrying the National Night Out banner.

Chief Hill said, “We are participating in National Night Out. It is actually a nation wide event that happens throughout the country but is usually in August but because of the heat in Texas in August they chose to do it in October. It is basically a night for everyone to come out and enjoy their neighborhood, meet their neighbors, have some fun and let the criminals in town know we are not going to take it anymore. We are starting out with a Safety Walk through town. We are letting everyone know that it is safe to walk through the town of Italy. We end up at the George E. Scott Memorial Park next to the Italy high school where we will have some fun, eating free hot dogs, listening to a band and learning information on how not to be victims of crime.”

Lots of fun was had by all. How could you miss with face painting, snow cones, horse shoes, volleyball, a bounce house, magnetic darts, Toss Across and Ladder Ball games And of course, Lions Club member Flossie Gowin handing out free hot dogs with her ever present smile.

The Justin Guthrie Band (Italy’s own) was performing and for those of you who do not know, is made up of Justin Guthrie, lead singer; Shedric Walker (aka Munchie), drummer; Steven Galvan (aka Zero), lead guitar and James Wilson on bass. These four guys got together at the old flower shop in Italy, Texas and started practicing and they’ve been together ever since. They really out did themselves, giving everyone a good show.

Chief Hill was really proud of the turnout and said, “I want to thank everyone for showing up. Crime does not have a place in our city. I have not been here very long but each of you have opened your arms and invited me into your town. I want to thank everyone for making me feel like this is my home town. Thank you for everything you have done.”

An awesome National Night Out for all!

Italy Jr. High cheerleaders lead the way for the walking parade. (Cindy Sutherland)

The start of the parade. (Cindy Sutherland)

Keep walking all the way to the George E. Scott Memorial Park. (Cindy Sutherland)

Italy Lions Club member cooking up the “dogs”. (Cindy Sutherland)

Italy Jr. High cheerleaders, Paige Riddle and Kasey Bales ready to hand out prizes to he winners of the games. (Cindy Sutherlnad)

Jenny Bales, Kix Bales and Haley Turner having fun as Haley paints a football on Jenny’s hand! (Cindy Sutherland)

Having lots of fun on the bounce house slide. (Cindy Sutherland)

Italy High School principal Lee Joffre giving out “high fives.” (Cindy Sutherland)

Haley is at it again, this time it is a heart she is painting. (Cindy Sutherland)

Eric Tolliver was there manning a booth. He said, “We are having a display of tools that we use at the police department so the kids can see what we do. We have several items such as Stop Sticks to stop cars. We want the kids to learn about the police and what we do.” (Cindy Sutherland)

Deputy Hernandez with the Ellis County Sheriff’s department was there manning a booth and he explained, “We are in Italy tonight for the National Night Out event. We are here to inform the public about general safety. We are going to answer any questions. We have material on gun safety and other educational information to help inform the public.” (Cindy Sutherland)

Let’s get the goodies! (Cindy Sutherland)

Patrick Wilson (Ellis County District Attorney) and Phillip Martin (Chief Investigator for the District Attorney) were there lending their support. (Cindy Sutherland)

Italy’s own Justin Guthrie Band plays on! (Cindy Sutherland)

Britney Chambers playing magnetic darts. (Cindy Sutherland)

Fun game of horse shoes! (Cindy Sutherland)

Serve that ball! (Cindy Sutherland)

The snow cone booth is hopping with customers. (Cindy Sutherland)

Are there any more chips? (Cindy Sutherland)

Melanie, Hunter and Garret Everette were all on the scene to have a great time. (Cindy Sutherland)