Mayor Joseph J. Solomon, the Warwick Police Department, and the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, invite the public to attend the annual National Night Out event tonight (Aug. 6) beginning at 5 p.m. at the Oakland Beach Seawall.

In its 36th year, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our community a safer place to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

This non-profit event is free to the public. Parking is restricted on some nearby streets, but there will be designated parking areas at the softball field and at the boat ramp areas adjacent to the seawall.

Events include various safety demonstrations including the Warwick Police K-9, Warwick Fire Department’s smoke house demonstrator, Jaws of Life Demo, kids’ prizes (while supplies last), police and fire vehicles, RI National Guard Band and military vehicles, neighborhood groups, information tables from various social and family service providers, an opening ceremony featuring the Warwick Police Honor Guard, and a variety of other family-friendly activities and events. McGruff the Crime Dog and Officer Friendly will be on hand as well. The event will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more. All are invited to attend and help give neighborhood crime and drugs a going away party.