The annual National Night Out celebration sponsored by the Vinton Police Department is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, at the Charles R. Hill Senior Center at the Vinton War Memorial.

This is an event for all ages, featuring music by Steve FM. The activities begin at 6 p.m. with games, pizza, ice cream, and drinks.

Sponsors include Vito’s Pizza, Grand Rental, Creative Expressions, The Kettle Cooker, Subway, Frank’s Pizza, and Save-a-Lot.

National Night Out has been observed across the nation since 1984, traditionally on the first Tuesday in August, representing America’s “night out against crime.” The purpose is to encourage community and public safety partnerships, because a “connected community is a safer community.”

Vinton Town Council generally cancels its first meeting in August to take part in National Night Out and to take the opportunity to meet informally with citizens. This event is a chance for the police department, council, town staff, and the Chamber of Commerce to meet the public, especially Neighborhood Watch groups.

The annual event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and involves citizens, law enforcement, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials. Last year an estimated 38 million individuals in the United States, Canada, and on military bases around the world participated.

Organizers believe that National Night Out “strengthens the relationship between communities and their police departments, encouraging people to remain vigilant in their neighborhoods and to protect themselves and others against crimes.”