YORK COUNTY — A number of local towns are observing National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community relationships across the nation, this evening.

National Night Out strives to create positive police-community partnerships, with a goal to make neighborhoods safer and comforting to live in. The event is held in all 50 states with multiple communities taking part.

Tonight’s event provides an opportunity to bring police and their communities together in a positive environment.

Communities celebrate by hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events that demonstrate the camaraderie between the police force and their community.

Events can include safety demonstrations, seminars, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits, and other activities for youth and their families.

The following communities are participating in the National Night Out campaign:

• Saco is holding their National Night Out event today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Memorial Recreation Fields on Summer Street. The Saco Police and Fire Department along with Saco Parks and Recreation will be hosting the event. There will be a cookout, a police officer meet-and-greet, kid friendly activities, a movie in the park, tours of emergency vehicles, and other activites. The event is free and sponsored by local businesses.

• Kennebunk is holding their National Night Out event from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Maine Waterhouse Center at 51 Main St. in Kennebunk. There will be food, raffles, safety demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, and more activities for the children and families. The Kennebunk Police Department will be present.

• Biddeford is holding their National Night Out, also known as the Bacon Street Festival, on Aug. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. on Bacon Street. There will be a petting zoo, games and food, a beach-themed play area, an interactive puppet show, radio controlled car races, a bounce house, pedal car races, and other activities.