On Aug. 1, Turlock residents will be asked to leave the comfort of their homes and do something that seems almost archaic in this digital age: get to know their neighbors.

Once again, the Turlock community will be participating in the National Night Out event with a host of community festivities planned in neighborhoods and parks all over town.

National Night Out is a national movement designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

During National Night Out, residents across the country are asked to leave the confines of their home and step outside and get to know their neighbors. As a symbol of the long-standing event, residents are also asked to turn on their porch lights. Many neighborhoods host block parties, ice cream socials, barbecues and other special events for the night.

This year National Night Out will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 1. Those neighborhoods that register their parties with the Turlock Police Department might just get a visit from members of the police or fire department, city officials, Sparky the Fire Dog, Blue Santa or McGruff the Crime Dog.

The last day to register a party and put in an application for a street closure is Friday. Call 656-3147 for more information.