National Night Out will be celebrated throughout Folsom and around the nation Tuesday, August 7. It may look like potlucks and ice cream socials, but National Night Out events bring neighbors and first responders together to help build a safer community.
Each year, Folsom police officers, firefighters, city officials, and hundreds of residents attend dozens of National Night Out events throughout the city.
Neighborhoods hosting celebrations are encouraged to register their National Night Out event at www.folsom.ca.us/police. For more information or to request an application, contact Police Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Hess at jhess@folsom.ca.us
The origins of National Night Out date back to 1984, when Matt Peskin, founder of the National Association of Town Watch, envisioned a way to bring people together in the name of public safety and community building. That first year, approximately 2.5 million residents across 400 communities in 23 states took part in a simple but powerful gesture—turning on their porch lights and stepping outside to connect with neighbors and local police. From those humble beginnings, the event has grown exponentially.
Today, National Night Out spans all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide, with more than 38 million participants in over 16,000 communities. The format has also evolved, with many cities and towns now hosting large-scale gatherings that include live entertainment, food trucks, safety demonstrations, youth activities, and visits from police, firefighters, and public officials. These celebrations serve as a positive, welcoming environment for residents to engage with law enforcement in a non-emergency setting and to learn about public safety programs such as neighborhood watch, drug prevention, and emergency preparedness.
At its core, National Night Out aims to encourage communication and collaboration between neighbors and local law enforcement. The event offers an opportunity for communities to come together, build relationships, and learn more about crime prevention and safety initiatives. Whether through small backyard gatherings or larger public events, National Night Out continues to reflect its original mission of promoting neighborhood engagement and public safety awareness.
For more information, or to learn how to participate in your local event, visit the National Association of Town Watch’s official website at www.natw.org.
