National Night Out is an initiative developed to encourage people to get out to meet their neighbors. In addition, its mission is to help promote police-community partnerships.

NNO helps create safer communities as residents become familiar with what’s happening in their neighborhoods. In addition, it provides a relaxed atmosphere to interact with law enforcement personnel and other first responders.

National Night Out (www.natw.org) is officially Tuesday, Aug. 3, however, Stanfield is hosting a Family Fun Night Out Wednesday, July 28. Local National Night Out celebrations include:

HERMISTON

For more than two decades, the Hermiston Police Department has kicked off its National Night Out festivities in advance with a treasure hunt. The Hermiston resident who finds the golden medallion, which is about 3 inches in diameter and attached to a red, white and blue ribbon, will win a block party.

Police personnel and city officials will serve ice cream during the evening of Aug. 3 in the winner’s neighborhood. Available personnel also hope to visit other gatherings throughout town.

Community members are encouraged to organize neighborhood events, cookouts or parties on National Night Out. Those planning a gathering are encouraged to provide time and location information to HPD Corporal Tim Miears at 541-667-5112 or tmiears@hermiston.or.us.

The treasure hunt, Miears said, is a fun way to get people excited leading up to National Night Out. In his fourth year of heading up the treasure hunt, Miears likes to hide the medallion in a place that makes it fun for people to search.

To read treasure hunt rules and the first clue, grab a copy of the Tuesday, July 27, East Oregonian or view it online at www.eastoregonian.com. See By the Way in this edition of the Hermiston Herald for clue No. 2.

If you find the medallion, take it immediately to the Hermiston Police Department, 330 S. First St. If it’s found after 5 p.m., leave a voicemail for Miears at 541-667-5112 or send an email via tmiears@hermiston.or.us.

ECHO

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 3

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: George Park

WHAT: Free barbecue dinner, bingo, a bike rodeo, games, raffle drawings and announcement of the Neighbor of the Year Award (nominations must be turned in by Aug. 1 at Echo City Hall).

QUESTIONS: 541-376-8411.

STANFIELD

WHEN: Wednesday, July 28*

TIME: 6-8 p.m.

WHERE: Bard Park

WHAT: Free barbecue and watermelon, games, inflatable fun, bike rodeo and raffles. Also, teens are invited to continue enjoying the activities from 8-9 p.m. after the event officially ends.

*Note: Because the Stanfield Police Department also provides services in Echo, they are combining their National Night Out festivities with the city’s Summer Fun Program on a different night. The event is a combined effort of the police and fire departments, the library and parks and recreation as a way to build a sense of community.

QUESTIONS: 541-449-1254

UMATILLA

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 3

TIME: 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Village Square Park

WHAT: Music, food, games, activities and giveaways.

QUESTIONS: 541-922-3226