National Night Out Takes Place Aug. 4 in Haverhill, Methuen

Haverhill and Methuen police are organizing family-oriented community events Tuesday, Aug. 4, as part of the annual National Night Out gatherings to promote police and community partnerships across the Merrimack Valley and beyond.

In Haverhill, a National Night Out event from 5 to 8 p.m., Aug. 4, at Swasey Field, Blaisdell Street, will feature music, food and amusements for children. Admission is free. Methuen’s observance takes place between 6 and 8 p.m., at City Hall, Searles Building, 41 Pleasant St.

Methuen officials are also asking residents interested in hosting a neighborhood block party or otherwise volunteer to contact Sgt. James Gunter at (978) 983-8792.

National Association of Town Watch, a network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and concerned citizens, began National Night Out in 1981. It is celebrated in 16,124 communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide, the group said.