Tuesday night will mark a special night in the area as National Night Out is observed.

Residents are asked to come to Abbott betwen Church and Tremont streets from 6 to 8 p.m.

National Night Out is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, as residents use this unique safety and community event aimed at crime and drug prevention.

The program was the brainchild of Matt Peskin, who in 1984 was serving as the director of the National Association of Town Watch.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie,” Peskin said. “While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year.”

Locally, this year, there will be several events to take part in.

According to Jacque Johnso, there will a non-perishable food drive for the Christian Outreach Allicaance’s Food Pantry. You can drop off your donation when you register for the event.

Also, decorate the baby stroller and bicycle and enter the contest to be held at 6:10 p.m.

The police department will then lead everyone in a parade through Old Town at 6:30 p.m., Johnson said.

There will be refreshments including barbeque, hot dogs, soft drinks. popcorn and a plethora of other treats. Johnson said everyone is invited to attend and spend time fellowshiping with friends and neighbors.

They also plan to have an old-fashioned cake walk and cakes are needed. If you can bake a cake for the event, please call Denise Mitchell at 872-4934 to volunteer.

There will also be displays including the Alabama Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene (CSI) unit. The Alabama State Troopers will have their Rollover Crash Simulator and the Selma Police Department’s Crime Unit will be on hand as well.

Johnson also said this would be the perfect time to have your child fingerprinted to have a Child ID kit.

If you can’t come out, everyone in Selma are asked to burn their porch lights Tuesday night in a sign of solidarity against crime.

For more information, call Johnson at 505-1226.