ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- Residents of St. Joseph Township and St. Joseph City are invited to join their community members and leaders for the annual National Night Out at Maiden Lane Community Park on August 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

National Night Out is a nationally recognized event that raises awareness towards crime and drug prevention.

It is an event where people traditionally lock their doors, turn on their outside lights, and spend the evening socializing with neighbors and local police.

"This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. In all, over 34 million people are expected to participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime,” said Matt Paskin, the National Project Coordinator.

The event in St. Joseph will feature a Jaws of Life demonstration, a Med Flight out of South Bend landing on site, fire trucks, police cars and more local emergency equipment.

Attendees will also be welcomed with hotdogs, chips, soda, and Culver’s frozen custard free of charge.