By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The cities of Montevallo and Wilton will join together Aug. 5 to host National Night Out, a national crime prevention night celebrated in cities across the country since 1984.

The event, which will be in the Lucky’s parking lot in Montevallo, is free to attend and will include free hot dogs and drinks, moon jumps, door prizes, informational booths, games and more.

“We like to think of it as a giant block party,” said April Price, Wilton’s city clerk and the coordinator of the event. “It started out as a neighborhood watch type thing, and the founder of it had wanted everybody to show their support for law enforcement and firefighters nationwide. … It gives everybody a chance to come out and meet the people behind the badge.”

The party will begin at 5 p.m. with music by the Hunter Lawley Band, though the main festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and last until about 8 p.m., Price said. All of the elected officials from both cities, some senators, fireman and police officers will be available for citizens to meet, and kids will have the opportunity to explore police cars and fire trucks, she said.

Through this yearly event, Montevallo police chief Jeremy Littleton said he hopes community members will get to know the police department better and vice versa.

“We are trying to develop a more positive relationship with the community,” he said.

Price said the night is also about making communities safer and educating citizens about the importance of being proactive.

“The citizens are the best eyes and ears for the police department,” Price said. “If we can show them what to look for and get them into the habit of contacting city hall or contacting the sheriff’s office when something seems out of place, that’s our goal.

“They can listen to some music, get some free food and get some very, very pertinent information while they are there, even if they subliminally get it.”

For more information about the national movement or to search for a National Night Out event in your area, visit Natw.org.