National Night Out, an evening filled with music, entertainment, food, demonstrations by Warwick first responders and ending with fireworks, comes to Oakland Beach Aug. 6.

The annual Target-sponsored event is free. It starts at 5 p.m. at the Oakland Beach Commons with its open view of Greenwich Bay.

“It is good for the whole city of Warwick,” said Donna Travis, Ward 6 Councilwoman. She described the evening as “bringing families together, teaching kids not to be afraid of the police…they are there to help.” She also said National Night Out is great as people can just “walk through and talk to police,” as well as learning more about the community. Travis also said that she feels this event will teach people to “say no to drugs and crime.”

National Night Out is a celebration that occurs throughout the country every year on the first Tuesday of August. This gathering on Oakland Beach will have plenty of free food, drinks, bottled waters, and candy, along with live entertainment.

Warwick Police officer and a supervisor for the evening, Sergeant Dimaio, said National Night Out is a “good thing for the kids.” He goes on to say how great it is for the kids to meet actual police officers, establishing a “name with a face,” and having officers viewed in a more “positive light in the community.” He said the event gives kids “something to look forward to” in the summer.

Many organizations will participate including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick, the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, and AARP. RI Blood Bank will be in attendance as well for those who interested in donating. Substance abuse support will also be there as part of the “say no to drugs” campaign, as well as representatives of Oakland Beach Association and Warwick Public Library. Indian Drummers will be there as part of a Native American Powwow, and the opportunity to win free prizes.

The evening will conclude at 9 p.m. with a large display of fireworks to light up the night sky.

The Warwick chapter of the worldwide organization, The Lions Club will also be present for the festivities. The Lions Club deals with the blind and working with the Sight Foundation. The club works with children with cancer too. According to Travis, The Lions Club is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. “There was one prior any years ago,” she says. The former group, known simply as “The Lions Club” became “defunct.” When the new one was established it became known as The Greater Warwick Lions. The Lions Club of Warwick also given out scholarships and runs the Tuesday evening cruise nights at Oakland Beach, according to Travis.

Travis is excited for the upcoming National Night Out, calling it an “educational fair” as well being fun. She believes it gives people the chance to “learn about your community.”