Parts of South Norwalk were shut down Thursday night, as law enforcement hosted a celebration for the city.

Hundreds of people enjoyed free food from dozens of local vendors, music, and games.

Sections of Monroe Street and South Main Street were shut down for hours.

"As Sir Robert Peel said, the police are the people, and the people are the police," Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh said. "We're here to service the city of Norwalk, we can't do this job without the residents helping us every single day."

The event is part of a nationwide initiative encouraging police and neighbors to gather to help make their communities safer.

National Night Out will be celebrated in communities across the country this Tuesday, Aug. 6.