Free Family Carnival on Aug. 6 Marks 'National Night Out'

The local police union and the city's community policing unit invite the public to a free night of fun and games 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, on the recreation fields at Sixth Street and Bay Avenue.

The event is part of National Night Out.

National Night Out began in 1984 and is celebrated in more than 15,000 communities in all 50 states on the same night. The event is designed to entertain families while heightening crime and drug prevention awareness, generating support for anti-crime programs and strengthening neighborhood spirit.

The Ocean City Policemen's Benevolent Association Local No. 61 and the Community Policing Unit of the Ocean City Police Department are hosting the 30th annual National Night Out.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods celebrate the event with a variety of events and activities including block parties, cookouts, contests and youth programs.

There are many activities scheduled for the event, including a disc jockey, “dunk” tanks, face painting, inflatable play sets and many other family-oriented activities.

A game truck with several large flat-screen TVs will offer all the latest games for kids to play. There will also be carnival-type games in which the children can win prizes.  The event is free, and refreshments are available for a small cost.

“The main goal,” Patrolman Michael Gray told Patch last year, “is creating a free, fun, family environment for everyone to come out, enjoy themselves and receive some free education at the same time.”