By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó Town officials hope people will leave their homes Tuesday and flock to the downtown area. Tuesday marks National Night Out, an event designed to heighten crime prevention awareness.
The Landis and China Grove police departments are sponsoring this yearís joint event.
Itís the third celebration for Landis.
ěNational Night Out is done on the same night everywhere across the United States. It builds partnerships between the community and law enforcement,î said Landis Police Officer Don Silardi.
ěWe work for a common goal of working to eradicate crime and drugs,î Silardi said.
When National Night Out first started, residents turned on their porch lights and came out of their homes to meet each other, he said.
ěNow it encourages people to meet and get to know law enforcement and build a trust,î Silardi said.
The Landis/China Grove National Night Out will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. beside the Landis Police Department, 136 N. Central Ave.
The event is free to the public.
There will a DWI simulation with impairment goggles, McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand, and there will be other forms of entertainment.
Free food will be provided. Children can enjoy inflatable bounce houses and parents can learn how to properly fasten children into car and booster seats.
Emergency vehicles will also be on display.
Residents can also take time to donate blood at a mobile unit on site.
Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will be available from 6 to 8:30 p.m. To make an appointment, contact Kim Jones at 704-877-9879.
Walk-ins are welcome to donate blood.