The annual National Night To Unite (NTU) is just around the corner, with neighborhoods in surrounding communities preparing to get together for a night of fun and getting to know each other better.

NTU is a statewide celebration that takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. The goal of the event if to celebrate and strengthen neighborhoods and community partnerships, particularly between residents and their local law enforcement.

National Night Out (NNO) is a similar event that also occurs annually on the first Tuesday in August. It promotes neighborhood camaraderie and partnerships between communities and law enforcement.

Both events encourage residents to get out into the community, hold block parties and get to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention.

This year the event is Tuesday (Aug. 6), and a number of area neighborhoods are holding festivities and events to celebrate.

Clear Lake’s Hunter Lake Bluffs neighborhood is hosting a Night to Unite event planned from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hunter Lake Bluffs park. The event is potluck style and will include community and safety information and children’s activities. The Clear Lake Fire Dept. will be coming by with their gear and a fire truck, which will be open for attendees to check out up close.

Organizers are also hoping county law enforcement will have time to stop by.

Santiago Twp. is hosting their Night to Unite event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the town hall. Pulled pork sandwiches will be supplied by the Santiago Lions; attendees are encouraged to bring a salad or desert and a drink.

Door prizes supplied by the Santiago Lions Club will be drawn for at the end of the meal.

In Becker, a number of neighborhoods have signed up to host Night to Unite events.

“This year we won’t be having one big event like we have had in past years,” said Becker Police Chief Brent Baloun. “Instead we’ve tried to push Night to Unite out into the neighborhoods where it should be. We will be attending seven or so parties on Tuesday night and likely one more on Friday night.”

Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa and local law enforcement communities. For more information visit mncpa.net.