National Night Out (NNO) teams law enforcement agencies with citizens, community leaders, civic groups, and local businesses to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods. The NNO observance, always on the first Tuesday in August, is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The WFPD and Target, the national sponsor for NNO, are marking the occasion by hosting a “National Night Out Parking Lot Party” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wake Forest Target Superstore, 12000 Retail Drive.

The event promises something for everyone, including food and special prizes, an inflatable playground, and a martial arts demonstration, as well as fire, police, and EMS vehicle displays. Several area church choirs will also perform and an Army National Guard helicopter will fly in and make what is sure to be a memorable landing.

The police department will sponsor a child identification booth where parents can have their children photographed and fingerprinted. “Safe Kids” child safety seat technicians will also be on hand to demonstrate the proper installation of child safety seats and community crime prevention officers will distribute information on topics such as vehicle security, home security, and personal safety.

The police department will also offer a K-9 demonstration and D.A.R.E. presentation, share information on upcoming Community Watch initiatives and provide rosters designed to help new neighborhoods develop their own Community Watch programs.