Public invited to Halloween celebrations at Brownsville PD's community network centers

Approximately 8,000 children and their parents are expected to participate in today’s Halloween Day celebrations at the Brownsville Police Department’s community network centers — celebrations that have evolved into an annual event.

The police department hosts its traditional celebration free of charge to the general public at the Southmost Community Network Center, 2900 Southmost Blvd., and Westside Community Network Center, 1763 U.S. Highway 281.

Safety is the impetus behind the celebrations at the centers, said Sgt. Roland Avitia, in extending an invitation to the community for the event that will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Business and civic sponsors join the police department in making the events possible. Attractions will include inflatable bouncers, games, free candy, hot dogs and refreshments.

Started by Chief of Police Carlos Garcia as a safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating, Avitia said, "This is important because we want to keep the kids and the general public safe."

Streets around the community centers will be closed off to traffic to further ensure the safety of children and their parents. "We don’t want them to compete with vehicles on the street," Avitia said.

For children and parents venturing onto streets, Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said that supervision is on top of the what-to-do list.

"Parents need to be with their kids," the sheriff said. "They need to stay with their children at all times," he added, emphasizing that parents should not allow their children to cross the street on their own. "Kids get excited and think they are big enough to cross the street, but parents need to take their hands and cross with them."

Lucio said that children and their parents also should carry either a flashlight or reflective tape or wear costumes.

"Also make sure that the candy is wrapped," Lucio said, suggesting that unwrapped candy be thrown away.

Brownsville patrol Officer Luis Velasquez also suggested that children and parents wear bright clothing, and reminded the public that some people drive recklessly at night.