By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The annual National Night Out event hosted by the Helena police and fire departments date has been set, and those in attendance will have the opportunity for a meet and greet, view vehicles and equipment and more the first week of August.

The Helena police and fire departments will be hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helena Marketplace located along Shelby County 17 in Helena.

National Night Out is an annual campaign designed to promote community partnerships between citizens and their public safety providers and promote neighborhood spirit. The community building campaign promotes neighborhood camaraderie to help make neighborhoods and communities better and safer.

The family friendly event will be free and will give the public an opportunity to meet their local police officers and firefighters, see the emergency vehicles and equipment used daily in the city of Helena and the opportunity to purchase food and beverages from food trucks.

Helena will be one of several cities participating nationwide on Aug. 6 as National Night Out is meant to “enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community,” according to the organization. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

In years past, there were light refreshments provided, safety seminars from the Helena Police and Fire Explorers and plenty of opportunities for parents to take pictures of their children with emergency vehicles and equipment.

For more information on National Night Out, visit Natw.org.