Millions of Americans will take part in National Night Out (NNO) events on the first Tuesday of August across the country. The National Association of Town Watch launched its first NNO celebration in 1984 in 23 states, and it has since grown to reach communities in all 50 states. According to the NNO website, the event is an “annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.” Warwick, Johnston and Cranston are each hosting an event this August to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community in a fun and positive environment.

Warwick

On Aug. 6, Rocky Point Park will attract “thousands” of people for this year’s National Night Out celebration, according to Captain Charles Boisseau of the Warwick Police Community Services Division. Traditionally, the event takes place at Oakland Beach, but moved to Rocky Point in recent years.

The event, sponsored by the Warwick Police Department, Warwick Police Athletic League (PAL), City of Warwick, and Ocean State Food Truck Festivals, will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., culminating in a fireworks display at dusk. Parking and admission are free of charge.

“The purpose is to build the relationship between the police and the community,” said Captain Boisseau. “It’s important for it to be strong in Warwick, and anywhere else.”

The Police and Fire Departments will take part in several demonstrations such as the K-9 Unit, SWAT Team, Jaws of Life, bomb squad and more. There will be around 50 vendors and up to 25 different food trucks. Nonprofit organizations will also have tables set up to inform the public about their respective missions.

“We want to be able to display the tools that we use,” said Boisseau. He says that people always look forward to the Touch-A-Truck activity.

National Night Out is an all-ages event with activities specifically for kids such as face painting, bounce houses and balloon animal artists.

“I look forward to seeing as many people as possible,” Boisseau said. “My daughter came last year and expects to come again this year.”

Johnston

The Johnston Police Department will host a National Night Out celebration from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 6 at Johnston War Memorial Park on Hartford Avenue. The event, sponsored by the police and Citizens Bank, is a free community event with fun activities for all ages, including a cookout, face painting, bounce houses, Touch-A-Truck, Dunk-A-Cop and more. It is a time to meet local officers and neighbors, and foster community spirit, according to the police’s Facebook page.

Cranston

On Aug. 13, the Cranston YMCA on Park Avenue will host a National Night Out celebration sponsored by the Cranston Police Department, the YMCA, My Sons Inflatable Rentals and Ocean State Food Truck Festivals.

This family-friendly celebration will include activities for children such as bounce houses, food trucks, music, Touch-A-Truck and a K-9 demonstration. The Y will also be presenting demonstrations of the offerings they have at the Cranston facility.

For Cranston YMCA Family Engagement Coordinator Genesis Figuereo, this will be her first time attending a National Night Out event. “I’m super excited,” she says.

Street parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The celebration will take place in the Y’s parking lot, and half the lot will be reserved for members. The event will run from 5-8 p.m.