Main Street Delaware’s First Friday on Aug. 4 will feature a free “Picnic with the Cops” celebration that includes a children’s mini-police academy training camp/obstacle course, a classic cop car cruise-in, games, hot dogs, and information from community partners. A new addition to this year’s event is a performance by the Delaware Community Concert Band. The evening is sponsored by Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Delaware.

The Delaware City Police Department in partnership with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office will provide police cruisers and a mounted police unit, with horse and officer, for little ones to discover from 6 to 9 p.m. Sandusky Street will be closed between William Street and Central Avenue to accommodate the community celebration.

In addition to the picnic, the community is invited to enjoy the “Chalk it Up” sidewalk chalk art contest, postponed from July because of inclement weather. Those wishing to participate in the “Chalk It Up!” competition are invited to secure a concrete canvas for $10 per square now through Aug. 4 by visiting www.mainstreetdelaware.com and printing a registration form that will be collected on the night of the event. Forms also are available at downtown businesses.

Artists are asked to bring their own chalk and then simply to begin working on their preferred sidewalk square (located on Sandusky Street between Spring Street and Central Avenue or on William or Winter streets between Franklin and Union streets). Artists are able to begin working at any time Aug. 4, but must be finished by 8 p.m. to allow time for photography.

Main Street Delaware’s Farmers’ Market also continues to flourish, offering fresh, locally grown produce and other treats from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each Wednesday now through Oct. 28.