Columbia hosts annual National Night Out kickoff event Thursday

Before next week’s annual National Night Out festivities, the city of Columbia is hosting its eighth annual National Night Out Kickoff event on Thursday.

The event, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, will include safety demonstrations, kid-friendly activities and free giveaways. The Blythewood Jazz Orchestra will play live music, and the 2 Fat 2 Fly food truck will be on site.

Organizers are expecting more than 500 people to attend.

National Night Out is next Tuesday, Aug. 4, when neighborhoods all around will host activities aimed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.