AUBURN — The Police Department’s annual National Night Out against crime will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Festival Plaza.

The event goes until dusk and is expected to draw hundreds of people to Main Street for free food, fun, music and some “quality time” with Auburn police.

According to a department news release, this is the 31st year of the national crime and drug prevention event. It will be observed in more than 16,000 communities.

This is the 11th year Auburn police have hosted it. Department staff and volunteers will serve hot dogs, popcorn, beverages and family-style fun. There will be special police equipment on display and demonstrations by the Auburn Fire Department.

Other highlights include face painting, hula-hoop and jump-rope contests, a bounce house, an inflatable obstacle course and a flyover by the Civil Air Patrol.

Volunteers will provide child ID kits, balloons and giveaways. The L-A Harley Band will perform.

“The Auburn PD is always so proud to bring this event to our community,” Chief Phil Crowell said. “Every day, our officers work to ensure the safety of the people who live, work and play here. But it takes the entire community to push back the darkness of crime. NNO is a great way to fight crime, build on our police/community partnerships and to have some fun with our neighbors. This is community policing at its best,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to bring a nonperishable, healthy snack to donate to the Auburn Police Activities League.

For more information, contact Liz Allen at the Police Department at 333-6650, ext. 2070, or lallen@auburnmaine.gov.