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Columbia (WACH)-Thousands of Midlands residents attended Finlay Park Saturday evening to kick off National Night Out.

The 5th annual event featured food, carnival rides, dancing, and other fun events. It was hosted by the Columbia Community Development Department, the city's Police Department, and the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods.

This year's theme was "Famously Safe", and gave residents a chance to get to know police officers and firefighters in an effort to keep the city safer.

Neighborhoods USA President Tige Watts said getting to know each other is the key to helping one another.

"What we've seen year after year is that neighborhoods that are better organized, where neighbors know each other, watch out for each other, have lower instances for crime. That is what this is all about. It is to build community awareness and to empower our neighborhoods."

The event also got residents aware and ready for the Nationwide Night Out that will be held Tuesday evening.