Several communities in the five-county Times News coverage area will be participating in this year’s annual National Night Out observance Tuesday.

Each of them has various programs scheduled to tie in to the important event intended to foster community-building, the promotion of police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Its intent is to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

The goal of the program is to “enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.’’

The communities in our area are among at least 281 statewide and thousands throughout the country in all 50 states. The observance usually occurs on the first Tuesday in August, although Texas and a few other areas observe it on the first Tuesday in October.

The concept began in Pennsylvania in 1970 and is an offshoot of the Community Watch Program in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County.

From those humble beginnings, the program expanded until today millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out.

Neighborhoods host all sorts of events, from block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community initiatives with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more.

Local National Night Out events Tuesday night include:

• Coaldale Police Department and Coaldale Community Watch will host National Night Out from 6-8 p.m. at the complex, behind the fire company. The event will include free hot dogs, pencils, band, kids raffle, basket raffle, balloon animals, magic show, community organizations.

• Jim Thorpe National Night Out is set for one of its biggest events yet Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in Memorial Park along East 10th Street.

Tammy Lombardo-Schatz of the Jim Thorpe Community Watch program said 42 participants have registered to have representation at the event.

Two food trucks, one from Tommy’s Subs and another from 3 Kids Market and Bakery, will be on hand with items for purchase.

DJ Monte is serving as the master of ceremonies with prizes to give to children of all ages.

• Lehighton National Night Out, 5-9 p.m. in the Lower Park and in front of the Borough Building. The night will include fun activities, demonstrations, pizza and potato chips.

• Lehigh Township Police Department will hold National Night Out at 6 p.m. at Indian Trail Park, 3821 Lehigh Drive, Pennsville. Meet members of the community, gain information on safety and crime prevention, enjoy food and games and more.

• Nesquehoning National Night Out event from 6 to 8:30 p.m., sponsored by the Nesquehoning Recreation Commission, on the grounds of the recreation center on West Railroad Street. There will be a bounce house, photo booths, free food for the children, and meet and greets with local police and fire companies.

Various organizations will also set up areas to provide information to children and their families, and food will be available for purchase.

Those who attend are also asked to bring a canned food item for a local food drive.

• The Palmerton Police Department National Night Out from 6-8 p.m. will feature an emergency vehicle display and an opportunity for the community to interact with its first responders and other community organizations. Free snacks and drinks will be distributed. Colossal Radio will be spinning tunes, along with over 30 organizations. The Concourse Club of Palmerton will host its annual movie in the park at 8:30 p.m. with a showing of “Super Mario Bros.”

• The Slatington Police Department, in conjunction with the Walnutport Police Department and the Northern Lehigh School District, will hold their first “National Night Out” from 5-8 p.m. at the Northern Lehigh High School.

Police, fire and EMS vehicles will be on display. There will be a dunk tank, face painting, music, and raffles. Prizes include passes to Sesame Place Amusement Park and day passes to the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool.

• West Penn Township National Night Out will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the West Penn Township Fire Company. Meet local first responders, state police, military and more. The event will feature a dunk tank, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones.