Moore residents get to know one another
For the Oklahoman
MOORE — Tuesday night was a chance for people to get outside and meet fellow residents. The event marked Moore’s participation in National Night Out.
Sgt. David Dickinson, with the police department’s community services unit, estimated 500 people came to the Target parking lot, 720 SW 19. He said it was the sixth year for the department to take part in the program.
He said the goal of the evening was for people to meet their neighbors, meet the first responders and to see the resources the police, sheriff and fire departments offer. Participants included food vendors, local businesses, civic groups, radio stations, the police and fire departments, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Moore branch of the Pioneer Public Library System.
Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis praised the turnout.
“This is our biggest event so far at this location. A lot of people are meeting their neighbors.”
Victoria Krohn said she enjoyed the event.
“I love it, it’s great,” said Krohn, a Moore businesswoman. “It’s a good time for family fun.”
Denice Sutton was there with her 8-year-old daughter, Kylie.
“It’s fun and a great community gettogether. Great way to get the kids out of the house.”
Sutton’s daughter was having her face painted by Callie Dosher, a Target employee. Dosher also painted the face of Cataleya Barby, 5, who was at the event with her mother, Christina Barby.
John Ireland, owner of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home, was busy grilling hot dogs for anyone who wanted one. Others were preparing hamburgers.
“We participate in all the city functions, Ireland said. “It’s a chance to give back to the community.”
At the Moore Library, sisters Addison Mankins, 4, and Avery Mankins, 2, were busy trying to get prizes out of chunks of ice. They attended with their parents, Barry and Ali Mankins.
“Addison was interested in coming to see the fire trucks,” Ali Mankins said.
Jessica Conley, the library’s information services manager, said toy animals and shells were in the ice, and children were encouraged to think of ways to get them out. She and other staffers also were busy loaning books and issuing library cards. Tate Wallar