York police kissing pigs is part of National Night Out Tuesday

Rock Hill and York residents will have the opportunity to take part in several events to mark National Night Out, including picking a York police officer to kiss a pig.

National Night Out is an annual event held on the first Tuesday in August, promoting community involvement in policing and spreads crime prevention tips to residents.

York residents will have a chance to meet their neighborhood cop and learn how to avoid being a victim of crime at the York Police Department’s annual National Night Out event.

The department is hosting a free public event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the police station on North Roosevelt Street, with food and drink, music and a bounce house for the kids. Also, a winner among officers chosen by the public will kiss a pig.

The department wants to show the community that safe streets and respect for law enforcement is important and that officers who expect and demand respect also have a side that can laugh, said Andy Robinson, York chief of police.

The vote runs from the start of the event at 6 p.m. until 8:30 when the winner - or loser - will be announced. Then it is time for one officer to pucker up.

Parents will also have a chance to pick up a backpack stuffed with school supplies ahead of the new school year, provided by Tender Hearts Ministries. To pick up a book bag, bring a photo ID and your child’s birth certificate or other proof of legal guardianship.

In Rock Hill, different neighborhood groups and organizations will be hosting events around town Tuesday night. Rock Hill police officers plan to attend all 30 events, with the city planning routes so some of the department’s command staff can attend as many events as possible.

“It’s a chance for fellowship, to hang out and eat, and talk about the issues in the community,” said Capt. Brent Allmon with Rock Hill police.

The Hunger Outreach Program group, which is comprised of area churches, will host a National Night Out picnic between 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of Flint Hill Baptist Church, 1214 Flint Hill St. The picnic is open to all area residents and will be held rain or shine.

The Spencer Estates Neighborhood Association will hold its annual National Night Out Ice Cream Social and Block Party at 6 p.m. on Christopher Circle at Candlewood Lane. Attendees are encouraged to bring homemade ice cream, cake, or other dessert, along with lawn chairs. Beverages, paper and plastic products will be provided.

The Market Place Apartments on Heckle Boulevard will also give away school supplies during its Night Out event, Allmon said.

— Andrew Dys contributed

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 9:53 AM with the headline "York police kissing pigs is part of National Night Out Tuesday."