KANNAPOLIS — Kannapolis is hosting a several events next week to be on the lookout for.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, join the Kannapolis Police Department, from 5-7 p.m., at Veterans Park, 119 N. Main Street, to celebrate National Night Out.

“Our police and fire department staff as well as other community partners look forward to meeting and interacting with everyone,” a release from the city said. “Bring your lawn chair to stay and enjoy the evening’s festivities.

“We will celebrate with free food, limited number of free school supplies, live music, children’s games and much more. We will also have special activities and prizes for senior residents of our City. Non-profit organizations will also be on hand if you need information on community services or if you would like to learn more about volunteering with an organization.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. The goal of National Night Out is to have police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safe and caring places to live.

Officers with the Kannapolis Police Department will be collecting new coats for area school children at the event. Just find the police department tent to drop off your donation.

On Friday, Oct. 4, the Kannapolis Fire Department will host a fire truck parade, food drive and bloodmobile event. The parade will begin at 6 p.m.

“Bring a chair and enjoy seeing fire trucks, old and new from departments throughout the region,” the release from the city said.

According to that release, there is a new fire truck parade route this year.

The fire truck parade will begin at Biotechnology Lane and Laureate Way, travel Laureate Way to Northeast Research Campus Drive, back onto Laureate Way. The parade will end at the intersection of Watson Creek Drive and Laureate Way. Bring a chair and cheer on our firefighters and their trucks.

“Meet our firefighters as you drop off a canned food donation from noon to 6 p.m.,” the release continued. “Firefighters will be located at the intersection of Laureate Way and Watson Creek Drive. Items needed are canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles, canned fruit, pork-n-beans and pudding cups. All donations will be given to Cooperative Christian Mission to distribute locally to those in need.”

One Blood will have the Big Red Bus at the intersection of Laureate Way and Watson Creek Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for anyone who would like to give a blood donation. To make an appointment to give blood, register at https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now.html

On Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7:45 a.m., the Kannapolis Run Series continues with the Wonder Run 5K.

The Wonder Run 5K invites runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate. The run will begin at the North Carolina Research Campus. The Wonder Run 5K is hosted by the Kannapolis Education Foundation.

For more information and to register, go to www.runkannapolis.com.

Be sure to stick around after the Wonder 5K for the City’s very first Bark in the Park at the North Carolina Research Campus. The event is from 9 a.m.-noon.

“Bring your furry friends to run in the Wonder Run 5K with you, then enjoy the Bark in the Park event,” the city’s release said. “Searching for a new four-legged friend? The Rowan Humane Society, Cabarrus Humane Society, Cabarrus Animal Shelter and Dunkin Doodles will be present to assist potential owners in finding a furry friend. Other organizations present include dog boutiques, vets, groomers, trainers and boarders. Pet owners will receive free doggie goodies.

“Please remember the roundabout in front of City Hall will be closed starting Sept. 30, but both City Hall parking lots are open.”

For more parking information, go to www.kannapolisnc.gov.