DAPHNE, Ala. — A local department store wants Daphne residents to stay close with law-enforcement officials.

Target, the Daphne police and fire departments and other organizations will help present Daphne’s second “National Night Out” celebration. The event is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at Trione Park.

“The purpose is to make the community more aware of what we can do as far as crime prevention and what the law enforcement’s doing for the local community,” said Desiree Muhammad, the Daphne store’s human-resources manager.

Inflatable play areas, drunk-vision goggles, a K-9 giving a drug-sniffing demonstration and free food will comprise next week’s event.

Muhammad expects will attract — like last year’s celebration — approximately 250 people.

Free hot dogs and Pepsi drinks, along with Frito-Lay and Kraft Foods snacks will be available.

And for those who are lucky, a National Night Out Frisbee and wrist band will be given to attendees, first-come, first-serve. About 150 can have one of each, Muhammad said, adding that other give-aways include hand sanitizer and vitamins, while supplies last.

The retailer nationally has hosted the event for 26 years, and 2010 — the national celebration’s 27th anniversary — brings the Daphne store’s second celebration. It previously partnered with Mobile stores to mark the occasion.

More than 14,500 communities in 50 states all participate in National Night Out, which attracts more than 36 million people, according to last year’s event talley, Muhammad said.

So, why promote community in the self-described “civic-minded” Jubilee City? 

“It’s (community) not something that we feel like is lacking, but it’s something that we want to continue raising awareness on,” Muhammad said.

Actually, the store regularly contributes to this general local area to do just that, she said, adding that Target tries to organzie monthly community-outreach projects.

“Overall, Target gives a lot back to its community and this is just one more way,” Muhammad said.