The Turlock Police Department is taking sign-ups of neighborhood block parties planned for the annual National Night Out celebration.

This year’s National Night Out is planned from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 7. National Night Out is a night when residents lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outdoors getting to know their neighbors and local law enforcement.

 In 2011, Turlock won an award from the National Association of Town Watch for an exceptional third year of participation in the program.

Neighbors are encouraged to host special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, or neighborhood gatherings. Turlock Police and Turlock Fire officials will be visiting each area that registers their party with the Turlock Police Department.

Those that will not be participating in a neighborhood block party but would like to participate in National Night Out, Turlock Recreation will be hosting a free National Night Out party at Columbia Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 7.

Anyone interested in participating in National Night Out 2012, can contact Crime Prevention Officer Michelle Backeroff at 656-3153. Block party registration forms need to be returned to the Turlock Police Department by no later than July 20, in order to ensure a visit from the Police Department.