MAXTON — The Maxton Police Department has scheduled a National Night Out event for Tuesday at Beachum Park.

The community event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the park located at 300 S. Austin St. It will feature free food, laser tag, water slides, bounce houses and more, according to the Maxton Police Department.

“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances,” according to the National Association of Town Watch’s website.

Events are typically held across the United States on the first Tuesday in August, while some locations celebrate in October, according to NATW. The first event was held in 1984.

The Lumberton Police Department is not holding an event this year because of concerns surrounding COVID-19, said Chief of Police Mike McNeill.

“I’m not participating in big gatherings like that,” McNeill said.

“I’m concerned about people here in Lumberton and Robeson County,” he added.

The police chief said COVID-19 numbers in the county are concerning, and he wants to protect residents. He also urges residents to “do the right thing.”

“This stuff is serious and I’m telling ya, people need to take it serious,” McNeill said.

Residents have a choice to get vaccinated or not, but McNeill said getting back to normal likely will involve vaccination.

“If it takes being vaccinated to do it, let’s do it then,” he said.

The Pembroke Police Department plans to host an event in October. Red Springs police hope to host an event at a later date that has yet to be determined.