Public safety crews, organizations and businesses are gearing up for a big party on Tuesday for Warren County residents called National Night Out.National Night Out is an annual event created to bring first responders and community members together to form better relationships and build stronger communities.Traditionally, it’s held the first Tuesday of August. This year the first Tuesday is Aug. 1. National Night Out in Warren County will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Diekroeger Park in Wright City.“This is the first (National Night Out) in Wright City, the first Warren County National Night Out, because it’s a countywide event, and it’s only going to get bigger from here,” said State Rep. Bryan Spencer.Spencer invited city and county police, fire and ambulance crews. Warren County Sheriff Kevin Harrison said the department will have a police car and deputy there to greet people and answer questions. He said that kids like to see emergency vehicles and equipment.Harrison added that the event benefits communities because residents and officers build better relationships. The event will feature additional services in the community.“I’m asking schools, churches and nonprofit organizations to come set up a backyard carnival where a kid can pop a balloon and win a pencil. There will be games and prizes.” A game could be arm wrestling a police officer or a hole in one on a putting green. Spencer said the event is free to anyone who wants to come and any group who wants to set up a booth.“It’s about neighbors meeting neighbors and learning what’s available to you in the county, in your community (and) where kids can have positive interactions,” Spencer said.Guests may want to bring a small amount of cash and a canned food item to donate.“We’re keeping this as free as possible,” Spencer said. “We don’t want a lot of money changing hands.”The Optimist Club of Warren County is selling hot dogs and soda at cost. The Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce is giving out popcorn, he said.Guests who bring a canned food will get a raffle ticket for each can and be entered in a contest to win a gift basket from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. The Wright City Community Food Pantry will receive the canned goods. The Gateway Country Music Association is providing live musical entertainment.“They’re not just good, they are fantastic,” Spencer said. Spencer will be there too.“I will have a table there with all kinds of things, from bullying to senior information, and tourism books,” Spencer said.He added that he will have information about the upcoming Red, Wright and Blue event to help raise money for a new police dog in Wright City. Zeus, the city’s current K9 officer, is retiring.Spencer initiated talks to create a National Night Out event in Warren County. It is based on a model he started in St. Charles County that has grown. St. Charles County will have its third annual National Night Out this year in New Melle.National Night Out