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The Lunenburg towns of Kenbridge and Victoria will hold a joint National Night Out celebration to bring together the community and law enforcement officials on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The National Association of Town Watch started National Night Out in 1984. The concept is for people to turn on their porch lights, get outside and get to know their neighbors as well as the law enforcement officers that are serving their communities. Ideally, better connections among neighbors as well as between the community and law enforcement — as well as, perhaps, criminals seeing an engaged and involved community — can help deter crime.

The Kenbridge-Victoria event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Victoria Railroad Park, 1403 Firehouse Road, Victoria. The pair of towns take turns hosting the event each year.

“We’ve got the majority of the local police departments and emergency services participating,” said William Pernell, event coordinator for the Town of Victoria. “It’s a great chance for the community to come support those departments and services and thank them for all the hard work they’ve been doing.”

Pernell said the Kenbridge Fire Department, Victoria Fire & Rescue, Lunenburg Sheriff’s Office, Kenbridge Police Department, Victoria Police Department, and Virginia State Police will all be represented.

“I think this is a great moment for everyone to come together,” Pernell said. “It gives the kids a great chance to interact with these departments and see these are human beings doing the best they can to keep us all safe and secure.”

Lunenburg towns offer plenty for kids

For the kids, there will be a bounce house, and the snowcones will appeal to all ages. A local business, Bliss, will hand out one free bag of popcorn, cotton candy and bottle of water to each attendee. The Fishin’ Pig food truck will be on site, and local band Farm Use will provide entertainment. The Dispatch plans to hand out back-to-school bags with paper, notebooks and pens.

Being somewhat new to his position, Pernell said he has gotten great information and cooperation from Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews in putting on the event.

“We take turns each year, and Tony has been a massive help and support,” he said. “I’ve been able to bounce a lot of questions off him.”