The Ephrata Area National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at LCBC Ephrata, 6 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata.

Established in 1984, National Night Out is a national community-building campaign held on the first Tuesday in August. Its goal is to enhance the relationship between neighbors, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and ambulance and paramedic teams. It aims to foster a sense of community and provide an opportunity to bring first responders and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Celebrations are held in thousands of communities in all 50 states, as well as in U.S. territories and at U.S. military bases worldwide. Approximately 1,000 people attended last year's event in Ephrata.

This year's event will include games, inflatables, face painting, a dunk tank, and free food. Fire apparatus from Ephrata Pioneer, Lincoln, Martindale, and Adamstown fire companies will be on display, as well as units from the Ephrata Community Ambulance Association, the Lancaster County SERT Team, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Demonstrations of vehicle extrication and ladder operations are also scheduled. At least 50 nonprofit organizations and local businesses will host games and provide giveaways for children, as well as provide information about goods and services available in the Ephrata area.

National Night Out is open to the public and is free of charge. It is hosted by the Ephrata Police Department, LCBC Ephrata, and the Friends of the Ephrata Police Foundation.

Booths are available free of charge to nonprofit organizations and businesses with the stipulation that the booth holder must offer a game suitable for children, provide a giveaway geared toward children, or donate toward the cost of the event. To reserve a booth, email friendsoftheephratapolice@gmail.com or call 717-733-4918.

Anyone may donate to help cover the cost of the event by visiting http://www.foepf.org.

For more information, contact Steve Aronson at 717-733-4918 or steve.aronson12@gmail.com.