METRO joined the good times and holiday cheer at Emancipation Park’s annual Holiday in the Tre’ earlier this month. The free community event in Houston’s historic Third Ward neighborhood included live entertainment, giveaways, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a winter wonderland kids’ zone, and holiday tree lighting. Presents were also given to children who may not receive a Christmas gift.

“We wanted to show involvement and support beyond the services METRO provides,” said Public Engagement Representative Stefani Farris. “The celebration was a wonderful opportunity for our team to join in on the holiday fun and engage with the community.”

METRO staff distributed information about services, special projects happening in the area, and safety-related information. The team also set up a cornhole game that was a big hit.

“We engaged in some friendly competition with the kids, and a few of them beat us,” laughed Farris.

“It's always a pleasure seeing the METRO team,” said Brannon Nealy, director of Marketing & Communications for the Emancipation Park Conservancy. “We truly appreciate METRO supporting our efforts to positively impact the Third Ward community.”

Farris said face-to-face opportunities are essential to community building and strengthening citizen involvement.

“Events like Holiday in the Tre’ allow us to connect with the community and our customers in a more meaningful and authentic way,” said Farris. “It also demonstrates our commitment to being a friendly, community-centric service provider.”

“Events like Holiday in the Tre’ allow us to connect with the community and our customers in a more meaningful and authentic way,” said Farris.

METRO staff distributed information about services, special projects happening in the area, and safety-related information.

METRO Public Engagement Representative Stefani Farris says face-to-face opportunities are essential to community building and strengthening citizen involvement.