At the recent Ripon City Council meeting, Police Chief Ed Ormonde invited the public to attend National Night Out.The annual community-wide event will be held this Tuesday at the Community Center, 334 Fourth St. from 6 to 9 p.m.One of the highlights promises to be the police vs. fire fighters watermelon-eating contest.Last year, the firefighters won, with reserve Scott Scheffel and Ryan Mackey defeating police Sgt. Stephen Meece and Officer Brett Delgado.Police and the Ripon Consolidated Fire District will again showcase their latest equipment and emergency vehicles at National Night Out spearheaded by the Ripon Ministerial Association.This will be the group’s fifth year of putting on National Night Out, which was introduced in 1984 as “America’s Night Out against Crime.”The generosity of the community and local businesses also make possible the free hot dogs and other activities.Last year, the Ripon Ministerial Association estimated handing out 1,500 hot dogs to those in attendance.Youngsters, in addition, can look forward to free face-painting as well as free popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones.Several prizes will up for grabs.Bingo, which is legal thanks to the recent passing of an amendment to the gambling ordinance, will be played.A car show, karaoke, and a presentation by Schaffer’s Tae Kwon Do are also on tap for National Night Out.