Hellertown has announced upcoming community events, starting with a Hellertown/Lower Saucon Township Bike Ride with The Police event July 17.

According to Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman, “We’re just trying to engage the youth and show them that the police are real people.”

The event is open to everyone, rain or shine, and registration begins at Water Street Park at 5:30 p.m., with the ride beginning at 6 p.m. The ride goes along the Hellertown-Saucon railtrail to the Reading Drive access (Bingen) and back. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and kids are required to wear helmets.

Ice cream will be provided for all participants, compliments of the Heintzelman family.

The second event is the “National Night Out” and will be held Aug. 7 from 5-8 p.m. at Dimmick Park.

The event is a national event that takes place across the U.S. It’s designed to promote good relations between families in the community and first responders. Members of the police, firefighters and EMS will be in attendance.

Local businesses have donated funds for the event.

According to Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp, there will be hot dogs, snacks and free water, as well as games, including a bike rally with races and obstacle courses for kids in different age groups.

The third event is a community softball game between Hellertown Borough and Lower Saucon Township Aug. 16 from 4-6 p.m. at Dimmick Park during the Hellertown/Lower Saucon Community Day.

According to Heintzelman, there is a lull in regular activities during that time.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and root for their team.

Participants will be employees, police, council, administrative employees and their immediate family (18 and above).

There will be a $1 fee and the winning team will get to take that prize money and donate it to a nonprofit in the Saucon Valley community.

Heintzelman stressed there will be no pre-practicing before the game.

Heintzelman said, “I think it’s going to be fun time.”

In other news, borough council nominated Noah Kates as junior councilor.