Night Out parties planned

National Night Out Against Crime is celebrated on the first Tuesday of August every year, and this year there are neighborhood parties all over Spokane.

In 2009, more than 6,000 citizens were part of Block Watch parties and backyard barbecues.

Spokane Community Oriented Policing Services – COPS – is encouraging anyone who’s interested in hosting or attending a party to contact their local COPS substation.

Events Tuesday include:

The Lower South Hill Neighborhood Watch is hosting its fourth annual Block Watch party in the parking lot of the Plymouth Congregational Church, 1502 W. Eighth Ave. from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a potluck and pizza from David’s Pizza and coffee from local roaster Thomas Hammer. Live music for the street dance is provided by Dead Man’s Pants. There are also more than $750 in raffle prizes donated by local merchants. Proceeds from the sale of the $1 raffle tickets go toward the costs of the party. Call Patricia Hansen at (509) 838-2722 or send an e-mail to patricia@pahansen.com.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Outreach Center, 845 S. Sherman St., is holding an ice cream social in conjunction from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The center is introducing a new crime victim advocacy program on this day. The program will provide legal and medical advocacy, crisis intervention and advocacy for victims’ rights. There’s ice cream, cotton candy and games for the entire family. Please RSVP to (509) 455-8722.

The East Central Community Center is having its event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. There will be a barbecue and ice cream party for the whole family. For more information, call (509) 625-6699

Target at Northpoint is planning a parking lot party from 3 to 6 p.m. with lots of hotdogs and police vehicles on site. For more information call (509) 466-3006.

Logan COPS, Mission Avenue COPS and COPS West are planning substation parties. Visit your substation or call COPS at (509) 835-4572 for more information.