5 Things You Need To Know About National Night Out

The 28th Annual National Night Out is upon us today. The annual event, which is hosted nation-wide is a crime and drug awareness night in which communities get together for plenty of fun festivities. Locally, Royersford and Spring City are hosting. event will be the fourth in town history, while will be only the second ever for the municipality.

In light of the local events, here are five things you need to know about the actual "holiday."

1.The event is held the first Tuesday of every August; however, the state of Texas has the option of the alternate date of Oct. 4 this year to avoid the hot weather, according to the official website.

2. The genesis of the event was in 1984. It is celebrated in both the United States and Canada. There were 2.5 million American participants in the first year.

3. Last year's event counted 37 million people in 15,110 communities across all 50 states, some United States territories, Canadian cities and military bases world wide.

4. Originally, National Night Out was celebrated through outdoor vigils, or a display of outdoor lights; however, it is now common to see full-on block parties, cookouts, visits from town officials, police and fire, parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs.

5. Out of 10 awards categories in 2010, Pennsylvania won in four: Category 5  - Under 15,000 in population (Moscow Borough and Franconia Township); Category 6 - Rookies of the Year (Greencastle); Category 7 - Military (Army - Defense Distribution Depot, Susquehanna); Category 10 - NNO All-Stars (Engleton Community Group [Harrisburg] and Spring City).