There are thousands of neighborhood and crime watch groups throughout the country.

Many years ago, there was no common connection among all of these organizations. Not until 1984, when Matt Peskin, president of the National Association of Town Watch, came up with the National Night Out program.

According to its website, natw.org, Peskin’s program helps tie together law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. Tamaqua will participate and celebrate on Aug. 6 from 6-9 p.m. behind borough hall on East Broad Street.

“Our police department is working hard at not only taking criminals off the streets, but by also making sure the children and the youth know that they have a friend to turn to in our police force,” said Tamaqua Mayor Nathan Gerace. “I’m proud of the work that Chief (Henry) Woods and the Tamaqua police has been doing, and this will be a great event to socialize and have a safe, friendly environment to enjoy National Night Out.”

Aug. 6 is the annual date that most areas across the nation simultaneously celebrate together. National Night Out has evolved from being a day to rejoice into becoming an interactive day where local communities come together to acknowledge and appreciate local law enforcement.

Admission to the event is free. There will be food, firetrucks, police cars and face painting for kids.

“I take pride in my community,” Gerace said. “Every day I’m thankful to be able to serve my town as mayor and help hold events like National Night Out. The people of Tamaqua deserve a proactive mayor and a proactive police force. We work every day to make sure we are exceeding expectations.”