The Lockhart Police Department has canceled its 2020 National Night Out, which was originally set for October 6.

The LPD cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancellation. The move mirrors that of many other neighboring police departments in Central Texas, which have also canceled their events.

“This was not a decision that was made lightly, as we understand that connecting with neighbors and community during these uncertain times is important,” said Chief Ernest Pedraza with the Lockhart Police Department. “We appreciate your understanding, support and patience during this period and look forward to hopefully attending National Night Out events in 2021.”

The national celebration, which was first officially observed in 1984, is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and began with people simply sitting on their front porches with their porch lights on.

An estimated 38 million residents in 16,000 communities in the United States celebrate National Night Out each year. Lockhart’s participation in the campaign is one of multiple ways the city’s police force interacts with the citizens it protects, also presiding over regular events such as Coffee with Cops, civilian training sessions and police Q&A forums.