“It’s always a great night,” Mayor Joseph Polisena said while talking about the Johnston Police Department’s upcoming National Night Out event. “For many people, it has been like a huge reunion in years past. People will reconnect with others they have seen for quite some time.”

Polisena and Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini have issued an open invitation for all Johnstonians to join in the event starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, in the Dunn Building next to the playground in Johnston War Memorial Park.

There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and more as the local gathering marks its 16th year. Admission, food, raffles, special mementos, and music are provided free of charge.

In keeping what has been a unique tradition through the years, the police department and many local businesses will join forces for a night that Polisena and Tamburini – as well as Walk with Cops coordinator Marie Conti – are hoping will produce the largest turnout in the event’s history.

“We’re hoping to have more families than ever take advantage of this special event,” said Sgt. Brian S. LeClair, one of many officers who have helped planned Johnston’s National Night Out. “We want people to come and interact with our fellow officers while enjoying some good food, games and more on Aug. 2.”

Patrolman Chuck Psilopoulos, who’ll again be helping to grill the hot dogs and hamburgers, added: “We’ll have a bounce house, many different raffles, and we’ll be giving away all kinds of items like pens, pencils, and coloring books … We’re also teaming up with the Johnston Fire Department to have the town’s new ladder truck come and be on display, as well as the smoke house that has always been popular for children of all ages.”

Police officials said the event will have a new twist this year, as Capt. Thomas Dolan and others have lined up other vendors who’ll have food trucks open during the event.

“This year’s theme is again ‘working together, making a difference,’” said Dolan, who serves as commander of the department’s Traffic/Special Services Bureau. “We are hoping to even expand that next Tuesday evening with the largest crowd we’ve ever had.”

Dolan, who along with Lt. Steve Guilmette serves as coordinator for the department’s award-winning Explorer Post 405, said “our cadets will play a huge role in next Tuesday night’s event, just as they’ve always done through the years.”