Several local municipalities are slated to host police awareness-raising events this evening.

National Night Out, created to increase awareness about police programs in communities, is on tap in Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and McAdoo.The Jim Thorpe Police Department, in conjunction with the Jim Thorpe Community Watch, will host its event from 6-9 p.m. at Memorial Park.It will consist of first responders from the Jim Thorpe Area, more than 20 organizations and civic groups, food, drinks, games, a fire show by Crufeli Troupe, and music provided by DJ Monroe Berger.But only a few miles away, Lehighton will also hold its annual National Night Out at 7 o'clock in the borough's upper park.The Lehighton Police Department has partnered with the Lehighton Downtown Initiative to host the event.A free movie, "Hoodwinked," will be shown in the park at dusk.The Pennsylvania State Police K-9 Team will host a meet and greet.Free popcorn will be offered, courtesy of Nationwide Insurance.The Lehighton Historical Society and the Local Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand.Also, the social media-based activity known as Carbon County ROCKS!!! will set up a table at the event.The activity revolves around kids and parents decorating rocks, posting a photo of themselves with their art and a clue of where they will hide it, and encouraging hunters to get out and find the little treasures.Additionally, there will be fundraising for the Gower family, who tragically lost their 9-year-old daughter Vahnne when their Mahoning Township home went up in flames last month.When people make a donation, they will get a raffle ticket for prize giveaways.Gift cards and cash donations are welcomed. Proceeds given to the volunteers will be given to the Gower family.The borough police department has been holding National Night Out for several years, and was the first in the county to have a National Night Out.Also this evening, the McAdoo Borough Police Department will hold its second Annual National Night Out from 6-9 p.m. at McAdoo Borough Hall, 23 N. Hancock St.As part of this free event, visitors can meet McGruff the "Crime Dog," listen to music by DJ John from "The Strand," and enjoy hot dogs, chips and drinks.There will also be T-shirts, child ID cards, child fingerprinting, fire, ambulance and police vehicle displays, a fatal vision pedal cart DUI course, a drunk goggle sobriety test, and face painting.The 34th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event will involve over 16,500 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and Military bases around the world.National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.