Coming soon to the Sweetwater Recreational Complex: the annual National Night Out! After drawing more than 2,500 people last year, the National Night Out is back with lots of fun events and activities planned for the evening. 

The National Night Out, created by the National Association of Town Watch, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and is designed to promote drug and alcohol prevention, to heighten support for local anticrime organizations, and to strengthen neighborhood spirit. 

Sweetwater’s National Night Out, which starts at 6 p.m., Aug. 5, is organized by the Sweetwater Police Department, and will be located at the Sweetwater Recreational Complex.

This year’s night out will feature animals in a petting zoo, radio controlled planes flying around, a dunking booth, and inflatables to play on. And if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, there will be free swimming in the swimming pool.

As for refreshments, there will be free snow cones and popcorn to munch on. However, the Sweetwater Police Department requests that no alcohol or drugs be brought to the night out.

The National Night Out has lots of visitors coming to the event, including booths run by local businesses that will be giving away free items. The Monroe County Alcohol and Drug Task Force will be there giving out mesh sports bags filled with school supplies and drug prevention materials, with anti-drug messages written on the side. The night out will also get a visit from members of the National Guard, as well as a special celebrity speaker. 

The National Night Out is free, and it’s open to anyone. Besides the festivities at the recreational center, block parties are also encouraged. One of the goals of the night out is to strengthen neighborhood spirit, and having your neighborhood throw a party on the National Night Out is a great way to do just that.

If you want to set up a block party, or your business wants to take part in the National Night Out, call 337-6151 for more information.