National Night Out is an event designed to connect people in the community with law enforcement officers protecting them.

Locally, it has been a partnership between the City of Rockmart Police Department and the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority for four years.

On Friday night, the crowd came out to see and take part in free food, entertainment and family activities. It is held to increase community involvement in crime prevention.

It proves that the community can interact with law enforcement on a positive level. It also gives everyone an opportunity to meet officers and learn to know the public safety professionals - from law enforcement to EMS and the Georgia State Patrol.

“It gives officers an opportunity to interact with youth and children in a relaxed environment,” said Rockmart Police Chief Keith Sorrells.

Demonstrations were also given such as the EMS Urgent Care chopper flying in and landing on the Nathan Dean softball field.

Activities then opened up for people to see what happens when Life Flight is called. Each different section of law enforcement or public safety presented individual presentations.

People got a chance to see each group in action.

There was also general entertainment such as Sky Divers and inflated playgrounds for the younger kids.

The night ended with a large screen movie and fireworks.

This is the 26th year a National Night Out event has been held throughout the United States and is recognized on military bases throughout the world.