Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2

Block parties, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and visits from emergency personnel will bring residents and law enforcement officials together to campaign for safe neighborhoods.

National Night Out is an annual event celebrated by millions of people across the United States that focuses on enhancing the relationship between law enforcement and communities.

Here’s how to celebrate National Night Out, which will be held this year on Tuesday, August 2 in Montgomery County:

Takoma Park

The Takoma Park Police Department will host a free event that features a moon bounce, face painting, games and prizes, food and ice cream. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 7510 Maple Avenue in front of Piney Branch Elementary School. There will also be child ID kits and fingerprinting available.

Rockville

Participating neighborhoods will host their own block parties. The Rockville Mayor and Council, Rockville City Police officers and member of the County State’s Attorney’s Office will visit many of the block parties.

Children and families also should be on the lookout for a visit by McGruff the Crime Dog, he is expected to spread his anti-crime and anti-drug message.

Gaithersburg

There are numerous events planned in the City of Gaithersburg neighborhoods to celebrate National Night Out that begin as early as 4 p.m.The event at the Casey Community Center takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. with activities for the whole family, music, crafts, and giveaways. Registration is requested and may be completed online here.

For a complete list of activities, including start times and locations, click here.

Montgomery County Police

Montgomery County Police will participate in numerous events this year. The following are open to the public:

First District Rockville

1. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 608 N. Horners Lane, Rockville; 6 to 8 p.m.

Second District Bethesda

1. Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, and Lyttonsville Community at Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring; 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Third District Silver Spring

1. East County Community at White Oak Garden Apartments Mini Park, 11600 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring; 4 to 8 p.m.
2. McKinney Hills Carroll Knolls Civic Association at Flora Singer Elementary School, 2600 Hayden Drive, Silver Spring; 7 to 9 p.m.
3. Pine Branch at Bestway Parking Lot, 8540 Piney Branch Road; 5 to 8 p.m.
4. Hillendale Citizens Association at West Hillendale Swim Club, 915 Schindler Drive, Silver Spring; 5 to 7 p.m.
5. Downtown Silver Spring at Ellsworth Drive, 500 block of Ellsworth Drive; 5 to 8 p.m.
6. Northwood Four Corners Civic Association at Forest Knolls Pool, 11105 Fox Glove Lane, Silver Spring; 7 to 9 p.m.
7. 515 Thayer Apartments, 515 Thayer Ave, Silver Spring; 3 to 6 p.m.

Fourth District  Wheaton/Olney

1. Olney National Night Out at the Fair Hill Shopping Center, 18108 Town Center Dr.; 5 to 8 p.m.
2. Manor Lake Civic Association at Stonegate Elementary School, 15101 Bauer Drive, Rockville; 6 to 8 p.m.
3. Cinnamon Run Apartments, 14120 Weeping Willow Drive, Silver Spring; 4 to 7 p.m.
4. Poplar Run at Poplar Run Clubhouse, 13500 Stargazer Lane, Silver Spring; 6 to 8 p.m.

Fifth District Germantown/Clarksburg

1. Cedarbrook Community Church, 23700 Stringtown Road, Clarksburg; 5 to 8 p.m.
2. Germantown Park Community, 18400 Cinnamon Drive; from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
3. The Hamptons at The Hamptons at Town Center, 19757 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown; from 6 to 8 p.m.

Sixth District Gaithersburg

1. Kentlands/Lakelands at Kentlands Clubhouse Lawn, 508 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg; from 6 to 8 p.m.
2. Casey Community Center, 810 S. Frederick Avenue; 6 to 8 p.m.
3. Bennington at Parcel K-grassy area, Longdraft Road & Wade Court, Gaithersburg; 6 to 8:30 p.m.
4. Brighton Village, 347 West Side Drive, Gaithersburg; 6 to 8 p.m.
5. Flower Hill, 8100 Mountain Laurel Lane, Gaithersburg; 6 to 8 p.m.