National Night Out, the annual family-oriented celebration hosted locally by the Wareham Police Department, may feature a tasty surprise this year.

Police are looking for restaurants to participate in the "Taste of Wareham," during which families can try some of the goodies that area eateries have to offer.

"We're expecting a very large crowd," said Wareham Police Lt. John Walcek.

National Night Out, which will be held at Lopes Field in Onset on Tuesday, August 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., is an opportunity for the community to mingle with police in a fun setting. It promotes safety, awareness, and neighborhood unity.

"It's a free night out for families to have a good time and come together," Walcek said.

The event starts with a parade down Onset Avenue to Lopes Field. The evening features public safety demonstrations — Wareham's crime-fighting police dogs will show off their stuff and the fire department will take apart a car using the "Jaws of Life" — as well as music, inflatable bounce houses, and other family-friendly activities.

Everything is free of charge. With all of that going on, families will work up an appetite. Want to help the police with the Taste of Wareham? Contact Officer Karl Baptiste at karl_baptiste@warehampolice.com or 508-326-0939.

Target, national sponsor, has helped Wareham Police out with a $500 donation to this year's event in Onset. "They're very, very good with us," Walcek said of Target. "They not only supply money, but also people."

In previous years, volunteers from Target have offered face-painting and other activities during the event.

Of this year's National Night Out celebration, Walcek says: "We think it's going to be bigger and better than ever!"

For more information about National Night Out, which is coordinated across the country by the National Association of Town Watch, visit www.natw.org.