The University of Houston-Downtown Police Department (UHDPD) will host its second annual National Night Out celebration from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1 on the South Deck of the Academic Building.

UHDPD’s event is one of many similar efforts nationwide that promotes police and community partnerships. More than 300 members of the UHD community including students, faculty and staff attended the University’s initial event last year.

National Night Out, originating August 1984, has grown to millions of neighbors in thousands of communities from all 50 states hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events and visits from emergency personnel.

“This is a great opportunity for law enforcement and our campus community to come together in a fun and informal setting,” said UHDPD Lt. Frederick Varela.

UHD’s Staff Council will be providing food for the event and games for children. Several UHD organizations will have booths and host various activities.

Surrounding agencies participating in the festivities include the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, Harris County Precinct 6 Constable’s Office, METRO Police and 911 Emergency.

Event sponsors include AT&T, Avenue CDC, RING, Dietz & Watson, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Associa and Renewal by Anderson.

Vendors scheduled to be in attendance are McDonald’s, TDECU, HEB, Green Mountain Energy, Fandom UHD, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Fast Signs/East End True Color Graphics, Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Dynamo and Dash, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Houston BCycle, UHD University Relations, Houston Public Library, Houston Parks Board, City of Houston WIC Program, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Harris County Public Health Mosquito Vector Control, LISC, UHD Library, Go Neighborhoods, and Confetti the Clown.

“We were pleased with the large turnout at our first event last year,” Varela said. “Our hope is that this event becomes bigger and better every year and that we continue building upon these important relationships in the community.”