In commemoration of Territorial Charter Day, the town of Silver City will be hosting a National Night Out celebration on Saturday, August 3, 2019.  The event will begin at 4 pm at Gough Park.

In hopes of promoting volunteerism in the town, Mayor Ladner began challenging each Town Councilor to host a work day or celebration that allows the community participate in a more meaningful way. This year, district 4 Councilor Guadalupe Cano, has decided to partner with several local entities to sponsor National Night Out.

Traditionally held the first week of August, National Night Out is an evening event meant to bring out the community to honor local law enforcement officials and first responders. 

“With the hiring of new Police Chief Freddie Portillo earlier this year, the town has begun to move in a new direction. The department is very focused on providing community events that promote a healthy relationship between our officers and our community members, so this seemed like the perfect project for this year,” said Councilor Cano. “Our law enforcement officials and first responders work very hard day in and day out to keep us all safe and healthy. I am pleased that the community will now have a chance to thank them for all of their hard work.”

This year’s event will be held at Gough Park, beginning at 4 pm. The town will provide food (while supplies last), which will be cooked and served by several local elected officials, and Copper Country Senior Olympics will offer various games for the public to try. Many local organizations will be on hand to provide information about what they do and any volunteer opportunities they offer. Organizations participating will include El Refugio, Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services, Hidalgo Medical Services, and New Mexico Wild.  Both the Federation of Democratic Women and the Republican Women of Grant County will also be on hand to register people to vote. 

The most exciting part of the evening will be a “Battle of the Badges.” The Silver City Police Department has challenged several local entities to participate in a friendly dodgeball tournament. While the department was willing to play just for bragging rights, a prize sponsored by Councilor Cano and Q’s Southern Bistro will be provided to the winning agency. The tournament will begin around 5:30 pm, on the Gough Park basketball court.  The police and fire unions will be selling t-shirts that promote community support of both departments. 

This event is free and open to all member of the public. It is designed to be a family friendly event for all ages. Both the Silver City Police and Fire Departments will be on hand to meet the public and to showcase the equipment the department uses on a daily basis. Both departments’ mascots will also be in attendance. A booth with art supplies and thank you notes will also be provided for the public to personalize individual notes to departments or personnel who have assisted them in some way.

National Night Out is sponsored by the town of Silver City, as the District 4 Territorial Charter Day celebration. It is co-sponsored by the Silver City Police Department, Silver City Fire Department, Gary Stailey and the Community Youth Building Program, Copper Country Senior Olympics, and Q’s Southern Bistro. For further information, or to register an organization to participate, please contact Councilor Guadalupe Cano at 575-590-2941.