Saturday rally to honor first respondersPaul Evans event for kids and adults

It won’t be hard to find the spot for Saturday’s Rally Under the Flag — after all the giant Texas Flag that flies behind Paul Evans Carpets on Grant is pretty hard to miss.
The rally, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, is an event to benefit first responders including police, fire, EMS, sheriff and DPS. Organized by Paul Evans Carpets, the event will feature help from the Young Professionals of Odessa ad a chance for attendees to interact with first responders and even the chance to check out some of those emergency vehicles.
YPO is a 5-year-old program of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce that is designed to foster business opportunities and investment in Odessa for adults ages 21 through 40. YPO member Filiberto Gonzales III said via email the YPO service committee voted to help during the Paul Evans Carpets event.
“A main reason for our participation was that the first responders resonated with us and we would be supporting our community,” Gonzales said. The event will have first responder vehicles for children to explore, as well as jumpers, face painters and Paw Patrol characters. Also, TxDOT will bring a vehicle roll simulation, and there will be music and food.
A blood drive is also planned during Saturday’s event.
The event is for all ages, first responders and the public. Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and younger are admitted free. All proceeds will benefit first responders.
Gonzales encouraged Odessans to attend the event and offer support to first responders.
Volunteers are needed to help staff the event, and sign up is available online at www.vol unteersignup.org