The West Earl Township Police Department invites the community to National Night Out, to beheld in Broad Street Park, Akron, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.

National Night Out is held to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This is the first time Akron and West Earl Township will host the annual event, sponsored by the National Sheriffs Association.

Activities are planned for families and people of all ages, and children will be able to learn about and experience the emergency vehicles and equipment. First responders, such as the Rothsville EMS, will show their ambulances, and firefighters will demonstrate fire equipment, talk about their uniforms, and display fire trucks. A tow truck that is used for accidents will be on hand to demonstrate how vehicles are towed, and police will showcase their car, uniforms, and equipment.

Theresa Beever will sing the national anthem, and then chaplain Daryl Stoltzfus will serve as a DJ, playing old-school rock and family-friendly favorites. Normally, Stoltzfus works with police during emergencies, speaking to families that have needs and offering contacts he has with pastors, priests, and shelters.

Door prizes will be available to win, such as a free oil change from Mark Martin Motors, tickets to a Barnstormers game donated by Paul Davis, certificates for free inspection and emission donated by Dutchie's Garage, a free pet grooming certificate from Brownstown Animal Hospital, tickets for bowling at Dutch Lanes, a gift card to Texas Roadhouse donated by EMM Sales and Service, free car wash tickets from Highland Car Wash, and more. There will also be giveaways for items such as stadium cups, hats, T-shirts, water bottles, and lanyards. A candy cannon will shoot out candy for children, and games to win prizes will also be part of the evening.

Food will be available from The BBQ Trough, and there will also be free snacks, water, and ice cream. The West Earl Lions will provide cotton candy for free, but donations will be welcome.

For more information, contact Officer Samantha Heise at sheise@westearlpd.org or Mitch Rogers at mrogers@westearlpd.org.