National Night Out next Tuesday

Monroe's largest community gathering is happening next Tuesday, Aug. 5 when National Night Out Against Crime returns to Lake Tye Park.

Each year, about 3,000 people attend the event, which is put on by the Monroe Rotary Club and which runs from 6-9 p.m.

Among the attractions are more than 50 booths with information on public safety, many of them also including activities and/or prizes that kids stuff into goodie bags as they go booth-to-booth.

Free activities include bouncy houses, face painting, demonstrations and lots of free treats, including hot dogs, cookies, pizza, popcorn, bottled water and sno-cones.

The event is now in its sixth consecutive year, and last year it set records for turnout and participation. Visitors consumed more than 70 pizzas, 1,800 cookies and 800 hot dogs, and nearly 60 organizations set up booths.