The numerous festivities and parties in Turlock on National Night Out earned the city a top spot in the rankings of similar sized cities across the country.

Turlock placed 23rd in the top 33 cities with populations between 50,000 and 99,999 that were highlighted by the National Association of Town Watch for the National Night Out awards. Turlock was the highest ranked Northern California city among similar sized populations.

“I am quite proud of the recognition our city has received with regards to this year’s National Night Out event,” said Turlock Police Chief Rob Jackson. “Our city ranking the highest in Northern California for a city our size speaks volumes on the hard work and dedication of those involved.”

The 2013 National Night Out celebration in Turlock included 33 block parties that brought out more than an estimated 2,000 people, said Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis. Approximately 60 city personnel, including command staff from both the police and fire departments, visited the neighborhood participating in the annual event.

“Although we have several employees that put a great deal of work into this event the accolades for this achievement really should fall on our community,” Jackson. “They were the ones that made this event such a success.”

National Night Out was started in 1984 as an effort to promote crime prevention and foster good neighbors. It is held on the first Tuesday in August. On that night residents are asked to turn on their porch light, leave their homes, and mingle with their neighbors. Many neighbors host block parties, ice cream socials, and barbecues during National Night Out.

Last year, more than an estimated 37.8 million people took part in a National Night Out event across North America.