The first Tuesday in August is observed each year as National Night Out and residents in Escalon looking to get involved can sign up now through the city.

A caravan of police, fire, city officials, public works and EMS personnel will visit each of the neighborhood gatherings, as residents and city leaders join forces to ‘take back the night’ against crime and drugs.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of National Night Out, a police-community partnership focused on neighborhood unity.

In Escalon, the National Night Out event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

Contact Sara Cardoso at the Escalon Police Department, 691-7301, or email scardoso@cityofescalon.org for more information or to get a participation form. Completed application forms can be faxed to 838-6561 or drop it in the mail or return it to Escalon City Hall, 2060 McHenry Ave.

Participation forms include the group name or organizer’s name, the address, the type of activities being planned and the estimated number of people attending. Past gatherings have featured barbecues, potlucks, ice cream socials and more. Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances are typically available for youngsters to tour and giveaway items help spread the National Night Out message of safety and crime prevention.