Clanton Police Department will participate in National Night Out on Aug. 6 by hosting a free community event at Goose Pond Park from 6-9 p.m.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to a press release.

Attendees at Clanton’s event will have the opportunity to learn more about K-9 officers, CARE Ambulance, Air Evac, CPD narcotics unit and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office’s school resource program, among other law enforcement resources, said Clanton Police Officer Tera Mayfield, who is organizing the effort.

The event will also feature food provided by the department, a dunking booth, inflatables and a “DUI course,” where residents can put on goggles meant to simulate the effects of alcohol and drive a golf cart.

“It gives us a chance to see the kids and talk to the kids,” CPD Capt. David Clackley said. “It helps build that relationship with the community. This will be the biggest one we’ve done.”

This year marks the 30th year of National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The effort involves more than 15,704 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. More than 37.5 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” according to a press release.

“This is a night for America to stand together and promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity,” National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said in a release. “National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight for a safer nation. On NNO, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us and ‘give crime a going away party.'”