Public agencies across Kings County will be celebrating the 25th annual National Night Out this evening, encouraging drug and crime prevention while hosting free entertainment for local residents.

The National Night Out is an informational service for citizens to find out how to reach their local and county law enforcement agencies, fire departments and medical personnel in case of an emergency situation. It's also a way to meet and great with neighbors and learn that the boys and girls in blue are not merely just public servants, but everyday people that like to have fun.

Many locations will host free food, such as hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as games, bounce houses, music and vendors.

The Hanford Police Department will be stationed at Lacey Park from 4 to 7 p.m. to get in on the action, with the promise of "bounce houses, food and more." Also in Hanford, events will be held at Gardenside School and the El Rancho community.

In Lemoore, three convoys of police officers will be traveling to several blocks across the city to take the party to the people. The convoys will leave around 6 p.m. and will be making stops at the MontClair Apartments, Hazelwood Apartments, Alderwood Apartments, Heritage Apartments, Lakeview Apartments, Park Place Apartments, Grand Apartments, Westberry Apartments, Silva Estates and the 600 block of Montecito Court.

Corcoran residents can join in the festivities at the Corcoran Family YMCA on Dairy Avenue, where kids and parents alike can join in on a doughnut eating contest with police officers, eat watermelon and listen to local performer Gabby Ramirez perform some of her latest hits.

Other locations around the county include events at Kettleman City Park, the Armona Fire Station, Stratford's downtown library and Rice Park in Avenal.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Aug. 5, 2008)