El Pasoans have two community events to choose from, including a walk honoring victims of violent crime and a festival offering an up-close look at the city’s fire service.
The El Paso District Attorney’s Office will host its annual “Steps Toward Healing Crime Victims Walk” on Sunday, Oct. 18, while the El Paso Fire Department will hold its fifth annual Fire Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Crime victims walk set for Sunday
El Paso District Attorney James Montoya said the annual walk is meant to remember victims of violent crime and support survivors and families who have lost loved ones.
“This walk is our community's commitment to victims and survivors that their stories matter, and that we will honor them with every step we take,” Montoya said in a statement. “It’s a space where healing
can happen in the company of others who understand, and where every survivor knows they are seen and supported.”
The 5-mile walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at Ralph T. Cloud Park, 7975 Williamette Ave., near Yarbrough Drive in the Lower Valley. The route will travel through the Lower Valley before returning to the park.
Participants can register online on El Paso County's Crime Victims Walk page or at the park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
El Paso Fire Department hosting 'Fire Fest'
A day earlier, the El Paso Fire Department will bring firefighters, first responders and families together for its fifth annual Fire Fest.
The free event runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive, in Northeast El Paso.
Fire officials said the festival will feature demonstrations, activities, entertainment and fire safety education alongside displays of specialized fire apparatus, equipment and emergency response resources from departments across the region.
This year’s theme, “Blast from the Past,” highlights the history and traditions of the fire service while giving visitors a look at modern firefighting.
"The free, family-friendly event brings firefighters, first responders and the community together for an afternoon of demonstrations, activities, entertainment and fire safety education," the news release states.
This year's theme is “Blast from the Past,” which "celebrates the history and legacy of the fire service while giving families an up-close look at firefighting today," the news release states.
The festival will feature a helicopter landing, bucket brigade and physical competitions between EPFD battalions and local high school fire tech programs. Fire departments from across the region will also showcase specialized apparatus, equipment and emergency response resources.
Other activities include fire-themed Lotería, mascot appearances, a farmers market, food trucks, live music and special performances, including a fire dancer. The first 1,000 attendees will have an opportunity to receive free Fire Fest T-shirts, bags and stickers while supplies last.
The El Paso Department of Public Health will also provide free flu vaccines, while the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will offer child identification cards.
Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com and @AMartinezEPT on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 2 El Paso events this weekend honor crime victims, firefighters
