Twin Cities residents will get two chances to come together with their local police for a night of community building, crime prevention and fun.

Lewiston and Auburn are hosting independent National Night Out celebrations Aug. 7.

In Auburn, the celebration runs from 5:30 p.m. to dusk at Festival Plaza.

In Lewiston, the celebration is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Marcotte Park. That’s the athletic field at Birch and Jefferson streets.

This is the 29th year National Night Out has been scheduled across the country and the 10th year it’s been marked locally. More than 15,000 communities across the United States and Canada are expected to participate this year.

The carnival-like event is designed to bring residents and police together in way that encourages trust and builds cooperation across the community.

Events in Auburn include demonstrations by the the department’s bicycle, motorcycle and trained dog teams, as well as a demonstration by the Auburn Fire Department.

The Festival Plaza event will also feature a bounce house, a laser tag arena, an inflatable obstacle course, hot dogs, popcorn and lemonade.

Police department staff and volunteers will also give away child ID kits, DNA swabs and balloons. Live music will be provided by the band Five Face North.

The Marcotte Park event will feature activities and entertainment from the Lewiston Police, Fire and Public Works departments and numerous city nonprofit agencies.

They include a bounce house, free food, music, games, arts and crafts and Mr. Drew and the Animals Too. Nick Knowlton, of The Music Connection, will provide music for the Lewiston event.

It’s being co-sponsored by Wal-Mart, the police athletic league and L-A Harley-Davidson.

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