Glatfelter Memorial Field will be the site of family fun on Tuesday, Aug. 2, when Columbia Borough Police Department hosts National Night Out. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the field, 1249 Lancaster Ave., Columbia.

"National Night Out is a way for us to get in touch with the community," explained Cpl. Dave Souders. "Oftentimes, the only contact we have with people is when they're having a bad moment. This is a chance to meet people at a time when they don't need help."

Activities at National Night Out will include a hot air balloon for kids to explore, a bounce house, a birds of prey exhibit, an animal exhibit from Creatures Great and Small and lots of games for kids. PPL Electric will offer an electric safety demonstration, and Lancaster County Prison will present a K-9 demonstration. First responders will participate in a kickball game and water balloon fight, and the Columbia Borough Fire Department will present a Jaws of Life demonstration. Chiques Rock Outfitters will have a kayak on-site for people to sit in, radio station WSOX will be present with entertainment and approximately 45 vendors will participate in the event. Live music will be featured by the Kracker Beez, and a dunk tank will be on-site, giving attendees an opportunity to dunk local community leaders.

The event will also feature several give-back opportunities, including "fill a police car," where people will be invited to bring nonperishable items to donate to Hands Across the Street food bank and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. "We'll also have a 'jail and bail' station, where we'll have a town dignitary who will be in a jail cell, and he won't be able to get out until he receives a certain number of donated school supplies," Souders said.

A variety of food will be offered at National Night Out, including free hot dogs, chips and water. Scoops Ice Cream & Grille will be giving away free ice cream, but people must get a ticket from the police tent at the event. "They'll have to come talk to us to get a ticket," Souders noted with a laugh. "That helps us get to meet the community."

For Officer Tito Ford, this will be the first National Night Out he's attended in Columbia, and he said he's excited to bring his family. "We are new to the community, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to get in touch with more people in Columbia," he stated, noting that he sees the event as a chance for his 13-year-old daughter to meet some new friends as well. "It's a great time to get to know your neighbors."