Sirens and even sounds like gunfire will be heard at Wills Park Tuesday night, Aug. 2, but it's nothing to worry about. Alpharetta is celebrating National Night Out, with tactical police, K-9 and fire demonstrations under the covered equestrian arena.

The public is invited to spend the evening outside with neighbors, police officers and firefighters and enjoy a free cookout from 6 to 9 p.m. The city has posted invitations to the public on its Web site and in flyers distributed around Alpharetta.

Firefighters will demonstrate the Fire Safety House, which educates children about what to do in a house fire, while the SWAT team will display its special training and equipment.

National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch in an attempt to encourage more participation in crime watch from residents. More than 11,310 communities from all 50 states participate in the event each year.

While the traditional “lights on” and front porch vigils remain a part of National Night Out, activities have expanded over the years to include festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs and meetings.

For more information about the event, call 678-297-6309. RSVP at 678-297- 6309, ext. 3. There will be a vegetarian option provided.

For more information about National Night Out, visit www.nationalnightout.org

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.