Jim Thorpe, Coaldale, Slatington and Weatherly will join thousands of communities nationwide celebrating the 36th annual National Night Out.

National night out is an annual event to prevent crime and drugs; strengthen neighborhoods and the community-police relationship; and to send a message to criminals that communities are fighting back.

Jim Thorpe Police Department and the Jim Thorpe Crime Watch will hold their event on Aug. 6 from 6-9 p.m. at Memorial Park.

Twenty local organizations will participate in the event including first responders from around the Jim Thorpe Area.

There will be food, drinks and games.

The rain date is Aug. 7 from 6-9 p.m.

The event is made possible with help from Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Mauch Chunk Trust Co., Jim Thorpe Lioness Club and DJ Monroe Berger.

The Coaldale Police Department and Coaldale Community Crime Watch are co-sponsoring the event which builds the relationship between police and the community, and promotes anti-drug and crime efforts.

The event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 6 at the Coaldale Complex field. In case of rain, the event will be held indoors at the Complex.

Scheduled to attend are Jubilee Balloons, John Bonner magic show, and Dan Cannon providing music and emcee services. St. Luke’s will provide make-your-own first aid kids and a book swap.

Coaldale Police Department officers will participate in a water balloon fight.

For more information check out Coaldale Community Crime Watch on Facebook.

The Slatington National Night Out is hosted by the Northern Lehigh Recreation and Slatington Volunteer Fire Department. Meet your local heroes at the fire department, 524 W. Church St., Slatington, and check out the police cars and officers, firetrucks and ambulances. Fun games for the kids, giveaways and more surprises. This is a free event from 5 to 7 p.m.

Weatherly Police Department will hold its event Aug. 6 from 5-9 p.m. at Eurana Park.

Officers will be grilling hot dogs, handing out drinks, and answering questions from residents. Officer Vince Morrow will be the DJ.

Citizens Fire Co. No. 1 is also scheduled to participate and bring some of its equipment.

Organizations and people with activities for kids are wanted to help make the event even bigger.

Anyone with questions can contact Sgt. Michael Bogart at 570-427-4241.