National Night Out is coming to the Upper Perkiomen Valley next week thanks to the Marlborough Township Police Department, the Green Lane Marlboro Lions Club and other community organizations and businesses.

            On Tuesday evening, August 6, St. John's Lutheran Church on Main Street in Sumneyton will be the site of a celebration of police and community relations, joining millions of people nationwide in an event that began in 1984.

            "All of us at Marlborough Township Police Department take pride in getting to know our residents," said Chief Darren Morgan. "National Night Out will enhance this relationship while bringing back a true sense of community."

            The events begin at 6 p.m. and there will something for everyone: K9 demonstrations, a vehicle rescue demonstration with a medical helicopter landing, emergency vehicle displays and a dunk-a-cop tank.

            "It provides a great opportunity to bring all of our emergency services and neighbors together under positive circumstances," Morgan said.

            Other activities include face painting, rock painting, balloon animals, sand art and mascot appearances.

            Food and drink will be available, and DJ Bob McCarty will provide music.

            Paul Barndt of the Lions Club broached the idea of hosting a local National Night Out to Morgan who is a strong advocate for positive police-community relations.

            "Holding community events has always been an interest," Morgan said. "However, staffing has always been a challenge.  With our staff growing, and the willingness of Upper Perk, East Greenville and the Pennsylvania State Police along with all area fire and EMS joining us, National Night Out became a possibility for us."

            Marlborough Officer Carlos Cartagena took on much of the responsibility for shaping the event along with Barndt, St. John's Pastor Rev. Rebecca Schanely and the Green Lane Fire Company.

            Morgan also cited assistance from Project Live UP, Larry Stemple from Conceptual Cad, LLC and donations from Wawa, Redner's, Hatfield Meats, Weis, Chiaro's and Home City Ice.

            National Night Out began 35 years ago as an offshoot of Town Watch activities. On the first Tuesday in August, community members were urged to show their support for the police by turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their homes.

            The idea originated with a Town Watch in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County, and has since evolved to include events in all fifty states, US territories and military bases worldwide.

            According to the NNO website, "National Night Out grew to become a celebration beyond just front porch vigils and symbolic efforts amongst neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie."

            The local event is dependent upon favorable weather on August 6. Updates can be found on the Marlborough Police Facebook page and on the Marlborough Township website. The festivities end at 9 p.m.

            "We would like everyone to come out, have a good time and get to know their emergency responders," Morgan said.