Stafford, VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will once again be participating in National Night Out, an annual event that promotes police-community relationships and neighborhood camaraderie and safety.

On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, communities throughout the county will hold neighborhood celebrations throughout the late afternoon and early evening. Events and activities can include block parties, cookouts, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests, and more.

This year, neighborhoods participating in National Night Out include: Carriage Hills, Celebrate by Del Webb, Vista Woods, Augustine North, Colonial Forge, Falls Run, Garrison Woods, Lake Estates, Stafford Oaks, Village at England Run, and Woodlawn.

There will also be a community-wide event from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Target parking lot located at Stafford Marketplace. The event will include music, food, activities, dozens of vendors, over one hundred exhibitors, and more. Stafford Fire and Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office both bring equipment for children and adults to check out. Everything—including the food—is free.

National Night Out involves 16,500 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases. It is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

“National Night Out is one of our favorite events of the year,” 1st Sgt. Michelle Gibbons said. “It brings the whole community together and provides a fun-filled environment for law enforcement to interact with residents and strengthen relationships. We want the community to know we care about them and are working diligently to keep them safe.”