The Manteca Police Department is still searching for households and neighborhoods that are looking to be a part of the 2021 National Night Out Festivities.

On Tuesday, August 3, people across the country will once again come together on a summer night for the sole purpose of building stronger and safer communities through neighborhood bonds – working with local enforcement in the process.

While the majority of the festivities in 2020 were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic – some area communities amended things by hosting drive-through events, but most of the in-person gatherings were scrapped – the block parties are expected to return this year, and will include Manteca Police officers, firefighters, and city officials making the rounds to visit with residents.

But those who want to participate need to act fast.

Neighborhoods that are interested in hosting an official block party and participating in the citywide activities need to return their application as soon as possible.

The applications can be downloaded from the main page of the City of Manteca’s website – located at www.ci.manteca.ca.us.

Those that register can request specific groups to attend their party, choosing from a list that includes the Manteca Police Department SWAT Team, K9 officers, Neighborhood Watch officials, firefighters, the SAFE organization, SHARPS, recreation and community services, members of the city council, or others that are specifically requested.

The parties will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and are intended to send a clear message that these neighborhoods “will not tolerate drugs and crime” near their homes.

National Night Out has been held consistently – excluding last year due to the pandemic – across the country since 1984 and works to help build the bridge between residents and the agencies that serve them. The event also serves as an opportunity for neighbors to come together and build stronger communities and neighborhoods – something that isn’t always possible due to commute requirements and work commitments that make time sparse.

And while communities throughout the area saw a noticeable reduction in crime early on during the pandemic – attributed to larger numbers of people working from home, and thus making their homes bad targets for thieves – there have national stories about rising crime rates in some parts of the country, especially when compared to the reduced numbers of the previous year.

Those that are interested in hosting a neighborhood block party are encouraged to visit the City of Manteca’s website – www.ci.manteca.ca.us – and download and fill out the application. Completed applications can be turned in to the Manteca Police Department, located at 1001 W. Center Street, or at the Manteca Parks and Recreation Department, located at 252 Magnolia Avenue, during normal business hours.

The city will also be providing social media posts in the coming days to remind residents about the upcoming event and include information about how they can sign up.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.