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CARY, N.C. -- Communities across the country are getting ready for the 29th annual National Night Out Tuesday night. It's an effort designed to fight crime and promote drug prevention in our neighborhoods.

National Night Out is an event that happens once a year. It's a time when communities get together and say that they're not going to let criminals and criminal activities take over their neighborhoods.

Last year, 37 million people across the country and in North Carolina took part in the event. Neighborhoods across the state will get together to celebrate with block parties, cookouts and much more.

Organizers say they have several goals in mind.

They hope neighbors will take this time to organize and join a community watch group. Law enforcement officers believe if people get involved and become the eyes and ears of their community it will ultimately create safer neighborhoods for families.

"It comes from bigger city communities that were trying to re-engage the public and establish relationships so they know police can be friendly and talk to one another," said John Reeves with the Cary Police Department. "I think that's where it came from."

Though this is a national effort, the impact reaches across the globe. Cities in Canada, as well as military bases worldwide, will also be participating.