For the Reporter

National Night Out, a nationwide program designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, returns Tuesday, Aug. 4.

And Auburn resident can be a part of it.

Residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on the outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors, police, City of Auburn staff and elected officials.

Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most U.S. cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, potlucks, safety fairs and youth events.

Last year, nearly 70 neighborhoods in the city of Auburn participated.

The City wants to make sure every neighborhood, apartment complex and mobile home park is a part of the event this year.

Event organizers are providing many resources to make planning and holding a National Night Out event as easy as possible. The City of Auburn can provide invitation postcards, flyers and a banner free of charge to help promote your event.

Prior to the event participants can pick up bottled water, resource materials and fun freebies from the City of Auburn and National Night Out sponsors. The City has also worked with local mascots to arrange visits to communities with a large number of children.

Finally, staff will schedule City officials, police officers, City of Auburn staff and elected officials to visit registered National Night Out locations.

To register an event in your neighborhood, visit www.auburnwa.gov/NNO. An online registration form is available. Registration deadline is July 27.

For further details, you may also call 253-288-3168.