MUNSTER | The Police Department and Choice Community Council hosts Munster's 13th annual National Night Out Against Crime celebration Tuesday.

Activities for adults and children run from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Munster Community Pool, 8837 Calumet Ave. Munster residents with identification can swim for free.

A Sharp DJ Service will provide music, Steve Kellog will perform magic, and the event will feature children's games, door prizes and raffles.

Offerings also include a canine demonstration, helicopter landing and police officer dunk tank. Firetrucks, ambulances and police cars will be on display.

Crime prevention information will be available throughout the event. Residents can sign up for a number of safety programs sponsored through the Police Department.

People can get free handouts from business Crime Watch members, clowns, Ronald McDonald and Daren the Lion.

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on hand to accept blood donations.

Noah's Ark Animal Workshop also will be on hand selling hand-stuffed animals to benefit the town's Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, program.

"It is a night where the community is able to interact with each other," said Officer James Ghrist, who works with DARE and crime prevention.

Ghrist said the Night Out events encourages people to respond to crime prevention activities in greater numbers.

"In the last four years, attendance at the events has increased dramatically," he said. "Each year, more and more volunteers and businesses participate."