For those caught unaware, the arrival of a huge caravan of emergency vehicles, including police officers and firefighters coming in with lights flashing and sirens blaring, may have been a little unnerving.

But for those who were expecting it, the arrival was just part of the fun for National Night Out.

Observed on the first Tuesday of August across the country, Escalon’s National Night Out on Aug. 6 featured several neighborhood gatherings all across the city.

Eight specific locations signed up with the Escalon Police Department to be on the list for a visit, and along with the patrol cars and fire engines, an Escalon transit bus was used to get Escalon City Council members and some city officials from stop to stop.

It was a fast-paced evening for the caravan, spending just about 15 minutes at each location in order to get to them all.

Traditionally, the first stop is at Saron Lutheran Church on North Street; it is usually one of the largest as well, with church members joining in for a potluck and welcoming the city-police-fire caravan there first to kick off the schedule of visits. That stop was at 6 p.m.; the caravan continued until after 8:30 p.m.

Other stops on the route included Mission Street, Carolyn Avenue, California Street, Sophie Lane, Oakwood Drive, Valdapena Court, and the group closed out the night at another California Street location. The first was in the 2000 block, the second California stop was in the 900 block. Activities ranged from potlucks to barbecues, water slides to ice cream socials.

Also stopping at each location during the evening was Scott Tyrrell, Chief of Staff for San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman, presenting certificates of recognition to the various neighborhood gathering coordinators.

Escalon Police Chief Anthony Hardgraves was pleased with the overall event, noting that the caravan was able to stay on schedule, had a chance to meet with residents throughout the city, and enjoyed interacting in a relaxed, informal setting.