National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, is set to take place on Aug. 2 in Linton’s Humphreys Park.

The event will start at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. and will feature police departments from across the county. Other public service essentials, including fire and ambulance, will also be on hand.

Several community businesses and organizations have joined National Night Out by signing up for a booth or making monetary donations. Many booths will have giveaways from pencils and stickers to toothbrushes and everything in between.

Thus far, the response from the community has been great according to Linton Police Department Chief Paul Clark.

“We’ve had a lot of support,” Clark said. “Donations have been amazing.”

Due to higher than normal donations, Clark said, they will be able to offer more prizes than last year. Prizes include electronics such as TVs and gaming systems, bicycles, and outdoor equipment.

Hot dogs and other food items will be served courtesy of Linton Masonic Lodge No. 560, Davis Vending, and the Indiana Rail Road.

The Shane Lunsford Band, featuring local musicians Brady Smith, Chris Taylor, and Cole Riggleman, will perform from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Indiana Blood Center will also be on-site conducting a blood drive from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in its Bloodmobile.

“We have a great event planned full of fun activities and a good opportunity to meet and share time with all of our public service employees, not just the police, but fire, ambulance, and other public services,” Clark said.