NOTE: KATU Reporter Susan Harding broadcast live from the Northeast Portland party at Applebee's restaurant on Tuesday.

PORTLAND, Ore. - The irony. "National Night Out" kicks off Tuesday in Portland, seven nights before the actual one-night national event. 

The National Night Out Kick-Off Party begins 5 p.m. Tuesday at  the Lloyd Center Applebee's restaurant, 1439 N.E. Halsey Street. "Light refreshments" are provided by Applebee's Neighborhood Grill.

The kick-off party ends at 6:30 p.m., marking the start of Portland's National Night Out. Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer and other local public service personnel are slated to attend. Emergency response vehicles will be on display. 

This is the 26th annual night out coordinated by the National Association of Town Watch. NATW is  a coalition of municipalities, law enforcement agencies, crime prevention organizations, community groups and neighborhoods "interested in encouraging participation in anti-crime programs and strengthening neighborhood connections."

Along with traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns now celebrate National Night Out with a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local law enforcement, safety fairs and youth events. The event officially takes place Aug. 4, but events are happening before and after that Aug. 4 date. (Note: The State of Texas will be celebrating its night out on Oct. 6 this year.)

In Portland, 114 groups have signed on to coordinate everything from a block party in Woodstock to an ice cream social in Arbor Lodge. (Check out all 114 "Night Out" events in Portland.) 

Meanwhile, Vancouver and Salem officials will hold kick-offs of their own. Check out those options at KATU.com's Family Matters "National Night Out" link.

Those in other communities can check with the local police office for scheduled events. In Oregon the following cities have confirmed participation: Albany, Aumsville, Banks, Beaverton, Canby, Central Point, Clackamas, Columbia City, Coos Bay, Cornelius, Corvallis, Creswell, Dallas, Echo, Fairview, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Grants Pass, Gresham, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hubbard, Keizer, Klamath Falls, Lake Oswego, Lebanon, Linn County, Malheur County, McMinnville, Milton Freewater, Molalla, Monmouth, Mount Angel, Newport, Oregon City, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Portland, Reedsport, Saint Helens, Salem, Sandy, Scotts Mills, Seaside, Sherwood, Silverton, Springfield, Sweet Home, Tigard, Tualatin, Turner, Umatilla, Umatilla County, Washington County and Woodburn.

If you go to tonight's Portland kick-off party...

 Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 Where: Applebee's restaurant near Lloyd Center Mall

 Directions from Google Maps