VIDEO: San Mateo Celebrates National Night Out

For one night, San Mateo felt a bit smaller and closer-knit, as residents and local officials from across the Peninsula gathered for on Tuesday.

A huge celebration was held at the , and several blocks held their own get-togethers in the form of barbecues, pot lucks, dinners and parties.

National Night Out was inspired by the idea that, if neighbors get to know each other better, they can work together to help keep neighborhoods safer and better places to live.

Background music for this video was provided by Jewelbeat.com.