Tuesday, Aug. 2 will be observed as National Night Out across the country, and there will be several gatherings in Escalon to mark the occasion as well.

Police Services Manager Sara Cardoso said that there are five specific neighborhood gatherings scheduled so far, and residents have until Thursday, July 28 to sign up. That way, they make sure the contingent of police, fire, ambulance and city officials make a stop at their event.

“Usually we get about nine spots,” Cardoso said, adding that people interested in getting a visit from the emergency services personnel should provide the sign-up and information form to City Hall, 2060 McHenry Ave.

Already on the schedule are stops in the 1700 block of Colombard Court, Saron Lutheran Church on North Street, the 500 block of Thompson Way, the 500 block of Chardonnay Court and the 2300 block of Mission Street.

National Night Out is designed as a way for local residents to ‘take back the night’ and fight back against crime and drugs, by hosting the neighborhood events such as barbecues, potlucks and ice cream socials, and meeting with neighbors and city officials.

The caravan of officials typically leaves from the City Hall/Police Department complex on McHenry and spends some time at each gathering, with festivities getting underway at 6 p.m.

Cardoso said there’s still time to get involved.

“Usually what I have people do is fill out the form, leave it at City Hall, that way we can get them on the schedule,” she said of making sure they stop at each location. Tours of the police cars and fire trucks are always a hit with the younger attendees at the various ‘Night Out’ gatherings and there are also opportunities for residents to visit with city officials and council members in an informal setting.

National Night Out runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.