The City of Renton is inviting neighborhoods throughout the city to participate in the 28th annual National Night Out.

The crime and drug prevention event is from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., August 2 at Earlington Park, 272 Thomas Ave. S.W.

There will be food, safety games and a party hopper for the kids.

National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Renton Police Department, will involve more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.  In all, 37 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”  NNO 2011 is being supported in part by TARGET, a national corporate sponsor.

The event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.

Many neighborhoods throughout Renton will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, and youth activities. Individual neighborhoods are encouraged to host their own barbecues in honor of giving crime and drugs a going away party. The city will make an effort to make an appearance at every function, but will attend on a first come, first served basis.

To register your neighborhood event, contact Cyndie Parks at 425-430-7521 or email cparks@rentonwa.gov.