National Night Out a Big Success

By John Earp

This past Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Jal Lake Park, the Jal Police Department and the City of Jal put on the 2023 National Night Out, a social event with several booths set up by local organizations including First Baptist, Calvary Baptist, the Church of Christ, the City of Jal, Lea County Sheriff’s Office, the Woolworth Library, the Jal Clinic, Jal Fire/EMS, as well as the Jal Police Department. An estimated crowd of at least two hundred attended in nearly perfect weather conditions.

The Phoenix House, a sexual assault and domestic violence resource center from Hobbs, sponsored a “Glow Up Against Violence 5k Run” at the lake starting at 7:30 p.m. Jal Police Department sponsored a raffle in support of Special Olympics. A hot-pepper-eating contest was held as well. Delicious burgers were given out free of charge by the Lea County Sheriff’s Office. Several booths handed out free goody bags and candy. Jal Clinic gave away free fruit cups. Kids enjoyed playing on a huge bouncy house.