On the first Tuesday of every August, towns across the United States participate in National Night Out. The nationwide tradition was created more than three decades ago to bridge the gaps between law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watches, crime prevention groups, civic associations and volunteers in cities throughout the country. After several decades, National Night Out has spread to every state, and it now involves millions of participants. Each town has developed its own way of observing the tradition, which often incorporates various festivities and community gatherings. But the goal of the event remains unchanged: to strengthen the bond between communities and the police that serve them.

Providence Township will host its National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The event will take place at the Providence Township Municipal Building, located at 200 Mount Airy Road in New Providence. The event will feature complimentary refreshments, including hot dogs, potato chips and ice cream sandwiches. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in various games and activities during National Night Out, including a bounce house and a mechanical bull. The Quarryville Fire Department will be present to hold a candy drop, an activity that entails releasing a pile of sweets from the top of a fire engine's ladder for children under 13 years old to collect.

Providence Township's National Night Out will feature various door prizes, which will include gift cards for local businesses and passes for family-friendly experiences such as the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg. Included in this year's prizes are two baseballs autographed by Travis Jankowski, a Solanco graduate who plays professional baseball for the Texas Rangers.

"This is our way to bring the community together, but also to thank our first responders. It's so important to make sure they get recognition for their service," said Traci Frantz, Providence Township's administrative assistant. "The goal is to bring everybody together and have a great night of meeting new people, talking to old friends and appreciating both the community and its first responders."

In addition to the Quarryville Fire Department, firefighters from the Rawlinsville, Refton and Willow Street fire departments will be present at the event to display their engines and meet members of the community.

Providence Township first began holding its own National Night Out in 2018, and the event has been held annually since then, with the exception of a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We have an amazing community here who has supported our National Night Out every year," Frantz said. "It's nice to see everybody come together to share that."