August 2 will be a night of firsts in Enfield.

The police department will hold its first National Night Out event beginning at 7:30 p.m. The program, which includes an outdoor movie, will also debut the police department's participation in the National Rifle Association's Eddie Eagle gun safety program and the announcement of an area in the community which will receive special attention in National Night Out's Project 365 initiative.

“National Night Out is designed to encourage community awareness of of crime, violence and gangs,” said Enfield Administrative Services Officer Derrick McGee. “It's an opportunity for the community as a whole.”

Law enforcement across the nation are encouraged to participate in the event, McGee said.

For Enfield's first National Night Out event, the police department decided to show an outdoor movie, the popular animated film, Despicable Me, which features the voice of Steve Carell. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/

There will be refreshments and popcorn for as long as they last and visitors may bring their own snacks and drinks, but no alcohol is allowed. No pets are allowed at the event.

The event will be held at the old fairgrounds off Highway 301 across from the Food Lion shopping center. The fairgrounds is where the department holds its Police and Community Empowerment back to school bash, which will be held August 20 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Between the start of National Night Out until the start of the movie, there will be a DJ playing Top 40 and R&B hots, McGee said.

Thirty minutes after the movie 12 children will be selected to play Wii on the 25-foot screen that the movie was shown on.

McGee said National Night Out is a family event. “It gives children in the community some time to spend with their families.

The evening also marks the announcement of Enfield's participation in the Eddie Eagle program, a gun safety program by the NRA. There will be coloring books and other promotional materials given out. “The program tells children what to do if they see a gun, not to pick it up,” McGee said.

McGee stresses this is an event not just for the Enfield community. “We want everyone to come out and celebrate with us.”

For more information call the police department at 252-445-5122.