Despite the efforts of some against the upcoming National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 2 – including spreading rumors that it’s been cancelled and tearing down flyers promoting the event – City Council President Donna Travis, who also serves as the chair of the National Night Out Committee, assures that the celebration is still happening as scheduled.

The 32nd annual National Night Out will be held from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2 (rain date Aug. 3) in the Oakland Beach Commons at the end of Oakland Beach Avenue in Warwick.

Travis said she’s been working hard on the event with the Warwick Police Department, who will play a big role along with the Warwick Fire Department.

“This is a great night to show people what the departments are doing. It’s educational, as they will go over a variety of issues for people to know more about,” Travis said. “This is good for the community to come together, say no to crime and drugs, and see what services the different city agencies can offer you.”

Sponsored in conjunction with the National Night Out Committee, the Warwick Police Department, and Target, “the big sponsor across the country,” Travis said National Night Out will kick off at 5 p.m. with words from Mayor Scott Avedisian and Police Chief Col. Stephen McCartney.

The event will also feature a K9 unit demonstration, rock wall, Nintendo display, Rhode Island State Police Touch A Truck, Armed Forces Football Toss, face painting and fingerprinting, the Fire Department Smoke House, a Jaws of Life demonstration, a karate demonstration, the Don’t Text/Don’t Drink and Drive Crash Vehicle, a rollover vehicle, Officer Friendly and McGruff the Crime Dog, a live DJ (also considering a live band), prizes, and much more. The event will wrap up with a huge fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m.

Groups in attendance will include an Honor Guard, Sea Cadets, Lions Club, Blue Star Mothers, AARP, Warwick Animal Control, who will talk about the dangers of leaving your pet in a vehicle when it’s hot out, the Oakland Beach, Buttonwoods, and Norwood Crime Watches, Pink Heals, and other non-profits and neighborhood groups.

Free food will be available, including hot dogs, pizza, donuts, and soda, as well as Target water giveaways and items from restaurants such as Arooga’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, among others.

“This is an opportunity for the community to work together with the police, fire, and city and do what’s right,” Travis said. “Hopefully the weather stays nice.”