The town's police chief, Melvin Garner, says this year's event will be a collaborative effort with the county sheriff's office and Jackson and Gaston police departments.

“Last year, we went it alone,” Garner said. “This year the goal was to get every agency in Northampton County involved. Now that we are consolidated into one district, I would love to see Halifax and Northampton counties come together in the near future.”

(National Night Out will be held at the Garysburg Community Center, which is the former Garysburg Elementary School on Highway 46 across from the police station from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Garner describes National Night Out as a community-building event. “It promotes police and community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live. Together, we are making that happen.”

The chief said the program also enhances the relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement, bringing the two together under positive circumstances. “It's devoted to crime prevention in all communities. That's why we are inviting people not only from Garysburg, but all communities to come out and enjoy a day of fun.”

Entertainment will be provided by Jake Rice and his wife as they play all varieties of music. “They live in the community and love playing in community events for the town as well as others,” Garner said.

The event is free and there will be games and amusements for the children with Bounce and Bounce Party Zone. There will be food vendors and information to be shared by all organizations participating. The organizations participating include DSS, EMS the district attorney's office as well as churches and civic groups.

“I think this is a worthwhile project,” said Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith. “It's an example of building trust between the community and law enforcement and different ages as well.”