BLOOMINGTON - More activities have been added to Bloomington's National Night Out annual anti-crime event this year.

The event, which mixes fun, food and information on personal safety and other community programs will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Miller Park.

About 3,500 hot dogs have been ordered, up 500 from last year, event co-chairwoman Barb Maxwell said. Other free offerings will be drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, miniature golf, carnival games with prizes, face painting, raffle prizes and games.

"I'll take the heat. But keep the rain," said Maxwell, noting many activities will be shaded by trees or tents.

Information on fraud, personal safety, community services and other topics will available from Bloomington police and other groups.

Something different this year will be a celebration of Route 66's 80th anniversary. A variety of cars, from antiques to street rods, are expected if there is no rain or mud.

Steak 'n Shake will display historic memorabilia in a mock restaurant exhibit.

The musical group Hip Pocket will perform.

Also new this year is a booth seeking donations for Operation Porchlight, which supports families of local National Guard members serving in Iraq.

The event is free, so Maxwell suggested people take the money they would have spent for an evening of family entertainment and donate it to Operation Porchlight.

"This is for people in our own back yard," she said.

Soldiers also will bring vehicles and talk about various branches of the armed services.

Crowd estimates in the past have ranged up to 10,000 people.

Food, fun, facts

What: National Night Out annual anti-crime event

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Miller Park, Bloomington

Highlights: Free food, entertainment and information on personal safety and community programs

On the Net

The event's Web site is http://www.bloomingtonnationalnightout.com.