Neighbors across Westminster and Carroll County spent time together Tuesday evening to celebrate the 27th Annual National Night Out. 

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored by the various Law Enforcement Agencies and organizations nationwide.

According to a Westminster Police news release, more than 11,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world participate in the event. In all, over 35 million people were expected to participate in "National Night Out Against Crime" on Aug. 2.

There were a handful of events planned around Westminster, including a celebration in Belle Grove Square and one at Kings Park. 

This is the third year that Kings Park residents have participated in the event and close to 50 people stopped by.

Ivy Gifford, organizer for the Kings Park Development, said, “National Night Out provides awareness of the community and establishes comradery to stand together against crime.”   

"It also allows us to meet our neighbors. Everyone is so busy, this gives us a chance to enjoy time together and get to know people in the community," Gifford said.

This was the second year that Belle Grove Square participated in the event, approximately 30 members of the community were there.

National Night Out organizer for Belle Grove Square Bruce Devault said the neighborhood does events throughout the year to build community spirit. 

“I believe this event raises awareness for crime prevention and also allows us to get to know each other in the neighborhood, so we can look out for each other," Devault said.

Westminster resident Steve Singer said, “This is a great event, and it’s a really cool concept to know it is happening nationwide at the same time.”