National Night Out events hit the nation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- People across the country are getting together tonight for the National Night Out event.

The annual gatherings are an effort to build community and help people get to know their neighbors.

In Sioux Falls, more than two dozen gatherings are planned across the city.

Sioux Falls police along with Fire Rescue and other city leaders plan on stopping by each event throughout the night.

"There'll be multiple officers, we'll have officers that are solely assigned to go to these events and then also the patrol officers that work in these neighborhoods, call volume permitting will also be stopping out at these events along with senior command staff, people with Sioux Falls fire rescue and other city employees," said Lt. Andrew Siebenbon.

The National Night Out events are scheduled between 5:30 and 8 o'clock tonight.