PHOTOS: National Night Out 2012

For the 11th consecutive year, residents celebrated the city of Waukee’s commitment to a safe, family-oriented community by participating in the National Night Out 2012 event held at Waukee's .

The celebration was part of a nationwide initiative sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) meant to prevent crime and drug use in communities throughout the United States. The first National Night Out event was held in 1984 in 400 communities in 23 states. More than 37 million people in 15,110 communities, including Waukee, were expected to participate in the event held on the same date each year.

Waukee residents brought their families to Centennial Park for food, music, demonstrations and activities, as well as the opportunity to meet other Waukee residents.

If you missed this year's celebration, mark your calendars - National Night Out 2013 will be held on Aug. 6, 2013.