Family Fun Night Brings Crowds

By AMY DAVIS

The Progress

Residents of Mesquite came out by the hundreds to attend the enjoyable “Family Fun Night” event hosted by Mesquite’s Department of Athletics and Leisure Services on Wednesday evening, May 4 at the Old Mill Park. The free event was an apt preliminary kick-off to the larger Mesquite Days events which would follow later in the week.

This truly was a fun-for-all-ages event that included food trucks, bounces houses, free raffles, live music provided by the band Mesa, police car racing, mechanical bullriding, carnival style games and more.

“It is the first time we have been back since 2019 and we are really excited to be here,” says Jairo Vallejo, Program Event Coordinator for the City of Mesquite. “We are excited that we have all of the local businesses partnering up and running booths and bring awareness to whatever coalition they have. We love having all of the community gather and come together like this.”

Vallejo explained that a lot of fun events were planned for the coming Mesquite Days weekend. “It is going to be a great weekend, he said. “And as for tonight, this is a great turnout!”
Much to the delight of community members, those who attended the Family Fun Night event were given free raffle tickets. Over 20 raffle prizes were given away.

“Getting these free raffle tickets is pretty epic!”said Hughes Middle School student Rylee Vail.
Zach Robison, Recreation Manager was pleased at the excitement that the free raffle tickets generated.

“Yeah, tonight we try and keep it as free as possible since the rest of the events can be kind of pricey,” Robison said. “We have been doing this a lot of years and it gets better and better every year.”

Robison said that the attendance at Family Fun Night was the biggest turn out yet. “With a very rough count, we have over 800 people and maybe even more,” he said.

Robison expressed gratitude to all of the organizations that contributed prizes for the raffle and who set up booths and games.
“Mesa band is doing a great job for us, he added. “Our first responders are here running the bikes and shooting the fire hose with the kids. I have a great staff who has worked really hard to put this event together. This has been a great night.”

The S.W.A.T. car was a fan favorite as kids of all ages scrambled to climb inside the vehicle and hold weapons. MPD Sergeant Wyatt Oliver said, “We come here for the Mesquite Days Festival, and we love being part of the outreach and hanging out with the kids. People see this big S.W.A.T. car and they want to see it and touch it.”

The pedal cars the police brought, were also a big hit.
“This is one of the best events we have had,” say City Councilman Wes Boger. “Look at the turnout! There is nowhere to park. You know it is going to be a great event when you can’t find anywhere to park. All these folks and kids out here gathering together, especially after COVID, is just wonderful to see.”