National Night Out: Over 200 Block Parties Planned In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA—Here's a reason (if you need one) to throw a block party. Police and neighborhoods across Fairfax County are celebrating National Night Out, an annual "neighborhood watch" kind of effort focusing on crime prevention. The event is Tuesday, Aug. 1 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Over 200 National Night Out events will happen around Fairfax County. Residents will spend time outdoors with neighbors by holding block parties, cookouts or other events.

Police, other first responders and McGruff the Crime Dog will stop by at neighborhood events in between emergency calls. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

While safe neighborhoods are a common goal among residents, the event provides an opportunity for residents to meet each other and share their ideas and concerns. Fairfax County Police describe the event as not only a response to crime, but an "opportunity to show neighborhood spirit and strengthen partnerships with local police."

National Night Out is in its 34th year.

Image via Fairfax County Police