MIDDLETOWN, OH (FOX19)- Tonight is the 27th observance of National Night Out, and Middletown will join cities and towns across the country as neighbors take part in events to celebrate and strengthen their community.

Middletown will have free hot dogs & chips at Jacot Park, 4501 Grand Ave. from 5:00 - 9:00 PM.

Attending the event:

• Careflight Helicopter
• Skyline Challenge
• US Military
• McGruff
• Police K-9 Demonstration
• Team Fastraxx

National Night Out began in 1984 as a way for the National Association of Town Watch to increase participation in local anticrime efforts. People were encouraged to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and come outside to meet with neighbors in solidarity against crime.

MIDDLETOWN, OH (FOX19)- Middletown Athletic Department is proud to introduce a new program for incoming freshman students. "Committing to Middie Excellence" will be a two-day event that will provide important information as the student enters high school. The program will be on Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at Middletown High School.

During the event, guest speakers talk to the incoming freshmen about what it means to be a part of the community and about the impor-tance of what it means to represent Middletown. Part of the program includes volunteer work in the community. Representatives will be avail-able to answer questions about sports, clubs, and activities.

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HAMILTON, OH (FOX19) - The 160th Butler County Fair begins Sunday and lasts through Saturday night, July 31 and the Hamilton fairgrounds.

The classic county fair entertainment will be represented with the horse, hog and sheep barns, amusement rides and food booths, the big draw of this fair will be the popular demolition derbies.

The two demolition derbies will be held at 7 p.m. Monday night and Friday night at the grandstand.