LEWISTON — The city’s annual National Night Out, supported and funded by the Lewiston Police Athletic League, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Marcotte Park.

The event will include activities, food and entertainment, including a bounce house and a chance to see the Police Department’s rolling tank and robot.

The purpose of the free event is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and to send a strong message that neighborhoods are united.

The 31st annual National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, will be celebrated across the country on Tuesday and is expected to draw over 37.8 million people in 16,242 communities across North America and military bases worldwide.

Lewiston’s project coordinator, Matt Peskin, said, “This is a night for America to stand together and promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight for a safer nation.”

Peskin also said in a new release that “while the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round.”

He invites to the community to “join us and give crime a going away party.”