National Night Out to be marked Tuesday in several Akron-area communities

Looking for a break in the middle of the week? Have an interest in your town's police and fire services?

National Night Out, an annual get-together of communities and their first-responders, is taking place Tuesday in Akron and several other communities.

The program started in 1984 in 400 communities in 23 states. Since then, 17,000 communities have participated.

As previously reported by the Beacon Journal, Akron has planned events for each ward in the city; you can find out more at https://t.ly/35cMW.

And Lakemore was an early bird; the village held its event Thursday.

Laura Cochran, village council president, said Monday it was the village's first National Night Out event.

About 100 individuals turned out, vendors, face painting and sprinkles as well as a firetruck, Cochran said.

"We're already thinking about things we can do for next year," she said.

Here's a look at other local events:

Barberton

The city's event starts at Lake Anna at 5:30 p.m. with a K-9 presentation by police and music provided by a DJ.

Drone and Jaws of Life presentations are planned between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., a bike raffle will be held.

The event is put on by the city and Main Street Barberton.

Cuyahoga Falls

The fun starts at 4:40 p.m. in the Summit DD parking lot at 2355 Second Street.

Music, games, hot dogs and K-9 demonstrations are planned. Equipment from Falls police and other law enforcement agencies will be on display.

Mayor Don Walters said the city's National Night Out used to be a fairly small event held in the Target parking lot.

"We decided to take it on ourselves in 2019 through our Parks and Recreation Department and have grown it into a huge, fun event for all ages," he said via text on Monday.

The mayor said the event includes firetrucks, bounce houses, food, crafts, games, exhibit booths and more.

Wadsworth

The city's event will be held in the Kohl's parking lot, starting at 5 p.m.

Police, fire, EMS and K-9 personnel will be present with demonstrations and tours of vehicles. Giveaways are also planned.

Northfield Village

The village plans its event from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village Hall, 10455 Northfield Road.

The village police department will host the event.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: National Night Out to be marked Tuesday in several Akron-area communities