SALISBURY — Call it a citywide icebreaker: National Night Out is designed to let residents know that their local law enforcement officers are just around the corner.

“It’s a great way for all of us to meet one another and sit down and talk,” said Officer Rebecca Sexton of the Salisbury Police Department.

National Night Out, which is Aug. 6 this year, was started in 1984 when neighbors turned on their porch lights and sat outdoors. Since then, the annual commemoration has morphed into an evening of block parties, cookouts, giveaways and ice cream parties, all with the purpose of connecting people in the community.

Sexton said the gatherings are an opportunity to ask questions, provide tips or talk about neighborhood issues with law officers.

The information is then relayed to the officers who patrol the affected area in order to make a greater impact.

Neighborhood residents will be able to connect with representatives of law enforcement, the Fire Department or other emergency agencies.

Several Salisbury neighborhoods will host activities Aug. 6:

• Brenner Crossing, 610 Hall St., 4-6 p.m., ice cream social.

• Yadkin House, 201 N. Lee St., 4-7 p.m., hamburgers, hot dogs, corn hole games, photo booth and more.

• Fulton Heights, 7-9 p.m., door-to-door ice cream social.

• Fred Evans Pool, 110 Old Concord Road, 4-7 p.m., hot dogs, hamburgers, outdoor games, basketball, temporary tattoos and music by a DJ.

• The Gables at Kepley Farm clubhouse, 101 Garner Drive, 7-9 p.m., representatives of the police and fire departments and rescue squad will be on hand; Community Emergency Response Team trailer; cookies, chips and drinks.

• Holly Leaf Apartments, 2205 Woodleaf Road, 4:30-7:30 p.m., hot dogs, drinks, chips and games.

• Brookview Apartments, 4-7 p.m., snacks and games.

• East Lafayette Street, 6-8 p.m., snacks, band and a speaker.

• Grace Deliverance Tabernacle Church, 500 Park Ave., 5-8 p.m., hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and games.

• At the Cross Ministries, 201 W. D Ave., 5:30-7:30 p.m., music with karaoke, dancing and games.

• Ardis Chapel, 1940 Old Mocksville Road, 6-8 p.m., hot dogs, chips, dessert, water games and face painting.

• Clancy Hills Apartment, 100 Clancy St., 3-6 p.m., popsicles, Icees, bounce house, basketball game obstacle course, and other games.

• Forest Creek Community on Celebration Drive, Carpenter Circle, a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood, 5-8:30 p.m. Food, water fun with the fire department, representatives from the SPD plus family games and activities, school supplies.

• Cannon Park, Park Avenue, 6-8 p.m., hot dogs, chips, drinks, multiple games and prizes for youths every 15 minutes.

• Kannapolis Police Department, Veterans Park, 119 N. Main St., 5-8 p.m. Concert by Darrell Harwood, food, children’s games, free school supplies, and more. Kannapolis police and fire department staff and community partners will attend.