Next week, St. Cloud neighborhoods will join up with thousands of other communities nationwide for the 36^th Annual National Night Out.

National Night Out is a drug and crime prevention event that involves over 16,000 communities across all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories and Canada. A total of 38 million people are expected to participate in the event next Tuesday, August 6^th.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, as well as generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts.

From 5 to 9:30 p.m. next Tuesday, everyone is asked to lock their doors, turn on the outside lights and spend their evening with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout St. Cloud will be hosting a variety of special events including block parties and cookouts.