National Night Out is celebrating 40 years of striving to strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve with another round of nationwide events on the first Tuesday of August (and on the first Tuesday in October in some areas).

The group’s website reports that millions take part in affiliated events in all fifty states as well as U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. 

“National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community," the website states. "Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”

Below is a roundup of Lexington County agencies taking part. The Chronicle will continue to update this list at lexingtonchronicle.com as we learn about more events.

Batesburg-Leesville

Batesburg-Leesville Police kicks off National Night Off events in the county a bit early on Wednesday, July 26.

The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Leesville College Park (423 College St.) and features demonstrations from local agencies, games, face painting, snacks and ice cream.

“For 40 years, the National Night Out initiative has focused on strengthening bonds between law enforcement and the community,” the department posted to Facebook. “We look forward to spending some time with you and your families.”

Lexington

Lexington Police will return to the Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W Main St.) for its annual National Night Out event Tuesday, Aug. 1.

A release pitches the evening as “an opportunity to connect with your local law enforcement, first responders, talk about crime prevention, enjoy food from various restaurants, as well as have a great time with your family and friends during this free event.”

“The planned entertainment for the evening includes Go Go Laser Tag, Emerald’s Artistry Entertainment face painting, Palmetto Amusement rides, Looney Balloony, inflatables, a photo booth by TapSnap 1216 with Serve & Connect, Call My DJ with the music, and more,” the release details.

The free event goes from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Find more info at lexsc.com.

Irmo

The Irmo Police Department’s Community Foundation will host a National Night Out event Aug. 1 in Irmo Community Park (7507 Eastview Dr)..

The festivities, pitched as a free occasion to “bring together local residents and law enforcement,” will include food, music, games and prizes.

The event goes from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Find more info at irmopdcommunityfoundation.org.

Pelion

Pelion Police will hold their annual Night Out Against Crime on Wednesday, Aug. 2

Free food will be provided, and “the event will be DJ’d by our very own Captain Odell Glenn and Master Patrolman Rob Evans,” the Facebook event page details.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at Shumpert's IGA (861 Pine St.). Find more info at facebook.com/pelionpd.

Lexington County Sheriff’s Department

The sheriff’s department was set to be at the Batesburg-Leesville event July 26 and the Pelion evnent Aug. 1, in addition to nine other events Aug. 1 (Aberdeen Farms, Ivy Link, Three Fountains, Barnwell Estates, Golden Pond, Coldstream, Planters Station, Night Harbor, and River Oaks Apartments) and Aug. 2 (Gaston Town Hall and Shull Island).

All events start at 6 p.m. except for Coldstream (7 p.m.), River Oaks (4 p.m.) and Gaston (3 p.m.).

The department posted to Facebook that it is excited to get out and visit with the people it services during the 40th National Night Out.

“[It’s] is a chance for local first responders to get out in the community and spend some time with citizens,” the department posted, noting that it plans to send out representatives to local National Night Out events.

Springdale 

Springdale does its National Night Out event in October. Chief Andrew “Bear” Richbourg told the Chronicle details are forthcoming.

Swansea

Swansea Police will hold a back to school celebration with popsicles and school supplies Saturday, July 29 at L.O. Rast Park (198-270 W 2nd St.).

There will be popsicles provided, along with “school supplies for your successful new year in school,” the department posted to Facebook.

Those wishing to donate the P.U.L.L. Popsicles and School Supplies event  can do so through July 28 at Swansea Town Hall. Find more info at facebook.com/swanseapd.

Gaston

Gaston Police will hold a Back to School Bash Aug. 2 at Town Hall (131 N Carlisle St.).

The event is slated to go from 3 to 7 p.m. For updates, go to facebook.com/gastonsouthcarolina.

Cayce

Cayce Police will hold a Back to School Bash Saturday, Aug. 5 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (1804 Wilkinson St.).

“Our Cayce officers will be handing out school supplies, snacks and treats, enjoying the bouncy house, a visit from K9 Hudson and so much more,” the department posted to Facebook.

The free event goes from 2 to 5 p.m. Find more info at caycepd.co