Hope Lutheran Church hosts National Night Out Aug. 6

Hope Lutheran Church in Walker is inviting the community to a National Night Out, to be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday on the church grounds.

The free event that includes hot dogs and cookies, a bouncy house, games and music — is a partnership with local law enforcement and fire departments and other local organizations.

Kids will get a close-up look at fire, police and emergency vehicles and meet the crews who operate them.

The event also serves as a summertime means to “get to know your neighbors.”

On a national level, the 41st annual event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and send a message to criminals — “letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is expected to involve nearly 17,000 communities in all 50 states.

Those who’ve been able to attend are representatives from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Walker Fire Department, Walker Police, the Lakeport Fire Department, the Lakes Area Dive Team, the Department of Natural Resources, the US Forestry, Walker Lions, Faith in Action, the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and more.

The free event will be held rain or shine. Hope Lutheran Church is located at 305 Tenth Street.