National Night Out celebration is Tuesday

HAYDEN - Kootenai County's National Night Out celebration is 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Hayden City Park, 8930 Government Way, next to Hayden City Hall.

"Our desire is to have law enforcement along with other public service agencies in the county and local businesses to participate in this year's event to help promote crime prevention in the areas of child and public safety," said Gary Shults, community service officer for the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, in a press release.

There will be entertainment, free food and drinks, giveaways for children, and crime prevention and personal safety information.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police and community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie," the press release stated.

The first National Night Out, called "America's Night Out Against Crime," took place Aug. 7, 1984. That first year, 2.5 million Americans took part across 400 communities in 23 states.

National Night Out now involves more than 38 million people and more than 16,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

The traditional "Lights On" campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities in an effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations.