AUBURN — Festival Plaza and Main Street will be the scene of the Auburn Police Department’s National Night Out against crime on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and goes until dusk, will draw Auburn residents downtown for food, fun, live music and a family-friendly block party.

This is the 13th year that the Auburn Police Department has hosted National Night Out, a free, anti-crime, public safety event. Department staff and volunteers will serve up hot dogs and beverages and plenty of family-style fun.

There will be police equipment on display, and the Auburn Fire Department and other community partners will be on hand.

Other highlights will include:

• popcorn from the Marshall Popcorn Truck;

• face painting;

• hula-hoop and jump-rope contests;

• a bounce house;

• an inflatable “boot camp” obstacle course; and

• live music.

Volunteers will provide child ID kits, balloons and lots of giveaways.

“There has been an overwhelming show of support from this community following the recent attacks on law enforcement,” said Police Chief Phil Crowell in a written statement. “We feel it is more important than ever to come together and show the unbreakable police-community partnership that flourishes here in Auburn. When we stand, side-by-side, to push back the darkness of crime, our community is stronger and safer. This is community policing at its best.” 

For more information, contact Liz Allen at 333-6650 ext. 2070 or LAllen@AuburnMaine.gov.

The Lewiston Police Department is also sponsoring a National Night Out at Marcotte Park in Lewiston tonight from 5-7 p.m.

The free community event will have food, activities and entertainment. Mr. Drew and His Animals Too will be there as well!