The City of Early hosted its Smart City Expo this past Thursday. With beautiful weather and a good crowd attending, McDonald Park was filled with booths of departments and service providers for the City of Early. Residents were able to learn how these different entities operate, what their work entails, and how their utilities and machines work. This was especially a great event for children to learn how city government operates and all the departments that hold it up.

Citizens and guests were able to walk the field and visit each booth to learn more about what these entities do for the city of Early. Children were allowed to get inside the Public Works and first responders vehicles (and of course honk the horns). An Air Evac team also landed their helicopter on the grounds of McDonald Park, letting kids see the instruments used to pilot the aircraft. 

The City Administration and first responders held their booths under the new Debra Tyson Shields Pavilion. The police and fire department taught kids about the equipment they use and the purpose it’s for. The City Finance Department held a booth to teach people about city finance. Furthermore, the Early Municipal Development District promoted the new Town Center through a map and video explaining the developments of the project so far. 

The TMCN students at Early High School hosted a booth for their sundial project that will be constructed at the new Town Center. Other booths had a theme to educate the city’s residents on how to handle different utilities in case of emergency.

Oncor gave out gift bags with a pamphlet on how to prepare your power and safety kit for a storm. Plus, they were informing the public how to efficiently use energy to save money, and child safety when it comes to electricity. The Public Works Department gave out applications seeking to fill positions and instructions on how to handle a leaky pipe.

The Texas Department of Transportation taught kids the importance of wearing their seatbelts, and what happens if you do not buckle up.

The nonprofit Corner Stone Community Action Committee held multiple booths to reach out to residents who need case management, child and family services, energy assistance, and housing programs. There were also booths specifically for the elderly. They also announced their new veterans’ program starting soon. 

There were other booths such as other city departments and service providers. All had the chance to reach out and connect with the community of Early. The Early, Texas Smart City Expo also gave visitors the opportunity to meet the people who serve them and the work they conduct for the city. This was also a great way to incorporate children into how city government works and the importance of the utilities we use every day.