National Night Out is held throughout the United States on the first Tuesday of August. The purpose is for police officers to build community with residents and for neighbors to get to know each other. The initiative started in 1984, which makes this year the 35th year of the event. People sit on their front porches with the lights on, children play outside, and officers stop by to meet and interface with residents. 

The above photo shows the Lindley Park neighborhood as people began to arrive for the gathering in the park– beside the pool and in front of the recreation center. People of all ages seemed to be enjoying themselves and the rain managed to hold off until later in the evening. Did you have an opportunity to participate in an event? If not, consider spearheading one next year. You never know, you just may start a tradition that will last for decades. And, if it is in front of your house, you won’t even have to drive anywhere to enjoy the evening.