SANFORD – Picture a late August evening, with hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling on the grill, and the kids playing Frisbee in the park. Picture folks from all walks of life getting together downtown to enjoy time together.

That and more is scheduled to happen from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, when Sanford Police Department and Partners for Healthier Communities host the annual Community Cookout in Central Park, located across the street from City Hall.

Police Chief Thomas Connolly is expected to be flipping burgers and turning hot dogs on the grill, as he has in years past, and officers will be mingling with attendees.

The event draws hundreds of Sanford and Springvale residents  annually.

The Community Cookout is free – and besides burgers and dogs, there will be chips, ice cream, water, prizes, educational items for kids, and more.

Organizers say there will be child fingerprint kits and a number of vendors will be handing out community service information.

Organizers urge residents to come down, have something to eat, and learn something new.

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