Got a story idea? Interested in paid freelance writing assignments as a Middletown reporter? How about some feedback on our site so far? Then come on down and introduce yourself Thursday night at Easton Beach.

Middletown Patch Local Editor Angela Lemire will join other local editors from Aquidneck Island Thursday night from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the annual National Night Out, an event sponsored for children by Newport police.

Children can also qualify for coupons to ride the merry-go-round and bumper boats, and for a free hot dog or hamburger and beverage, according to the Newport Police Department. Kids and families can also get free child safety kits that contain a card in a protective sleeve on which to record each child's height, weight, identifying marks and fingerprints, as well as a swab for collecting a sample of the child's DNA.

Newport's seventh annual National Night Out runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Easton's Beach on Memorial Boulevard.