(Guadalupe County) — It’s National Night Out, and neighborhoods across Seguin and Guadalupe County are turning on their porch lights, pulling out lawn chairs, and gathering to strengthen community ties and show appreciation for local first responders.

From backyard cookouts and driveway meet-ups to larger community events like those throughout the city of Seguin, the one at Creekbottom Farm and the one in the Marion City Park, tonight’s gatherings — both formal and informal — are all part of a nationwide effort to promote safety, unity, and police-community partnerships.

Sgt. Travis Caddell with the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office says National Night Out is about creating those personal connections that matter most in times of need. He says it’s really about neighbors getting to know each other and for the community to know them outside of emergency situations.

“We want everybody to get familiar with the deputies that are going to be in the area. We have 15 or 16 people that have reached out, subdivisions or other folks have been doing it for years – they always want us to come out. We print out a crime statist sheet and let them know what’s going on in their neighborhood and we are available for questions,” said Caddell.

Local law enforcement agencies, including the Seguin Police Department, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments, are joining in on the observance. Many will be traveling to neighborhood events throughout the evening, meeting residents and handing out safety information.

Caddell says the number of registered neighborhoods events, especially in the county, have continued to grow over the years, showing the power of community involvement.

“We’ve had parities over the years. We’ve grown. I would say we have doubled in parties, which is great. I try to make all of them but it’s kind of hard to do that as we cover the entire county. I’m excited,” said Caddell.

But even if a neighborhood didn’t officially register with the sheriff’s office or the Seguin Police Department, Caddell encourages everyone to still take part.

Organizers say simply stepping outside or just sitting out front and waving are  always a good start.

Among tonight’s gatherings is the 11th Annual National Night Out Party at Creekbottom Farm on FM 1044, hosted by Jackie and Charlene Nolte. The gathering at 4907 FM 1044 is one of the longest running in the county bringing together residents from Precincts 1 and 4 for food, fellowship, and a “barn-hall” meeting. The gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.