CLEMSON — Catherine Smith Plaza in downtown Clemson again served as the site for the city’s annual observance of National Night Out Tuesday night, and the more than 50 who attended enjoyed a festive time of education and conversation.

Individuals who attended the two-hour event picked up brochures containing information regarding safety and health as well as bags of popcorn and cans of soft drinks. This marked the sixth consecutive year that Clemson police have participated in National Night Out and the second consecutive year it has taken place at Catherine Smith Plaza.

Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon said the night accomplished what it was designed to do — bring people in the community together to provide personal interaction.

“One of the issues I have with today’s society is that we’ve forgotten to talk to people face to face,” Dixon said. “There’s so much technology with e-mail, texting and Twitter that we don’t talk to people, and I love to talk to people.”

Dixon said NNO provides an opportunity for residents to voice concerns they may have with emergency agencies in a relaxed environment.

“We can’t solve everything but maybe we can come to a happy medium,” he said.

The purpose of National Night Out is to provide activities to the local community designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

This year, the 25-member Pickens County Youth Board was on hand to spread community awareness regarding drugs and alcohol as a way to make neighborhoods safer.

“All of us signed a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free and attend community events, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools to perform skits and show the effects of drugs and alcohol,” said Cierra Edwards, a member of the youth board.

Clemson Community Care Executive Director Karen Ellers said the event also provided an opportunity for agencies to network with one another.

“It gives us the chance to show what our services are and what we do,” Ellers said.

Teresa Skewes, of Clemson, said she appreciates the hard work that the Clemson Police Department and Clemson University Fire Department do each year in spearheading the event.

“I think it’s a great way to reach out to the community,” Skewes said.

Creekwood Village Apartments will observe National Night Out from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight and Clemson police will be among the participants.