NATCHEZ — The corner of Creek and Chickasaw streets looked like the scene of a large-scale disaster Tuesday night.

The entire street was filled with police cars and there was even a fire truck.

But there was no emergency — in fact things there were just fine.

The huge turnout of law enforcement and local officials was to celebrate National Night Out with the community.

Across the city neighbors grilled and visited with each other as a way to form bonds that will ultimately strengthen the community, Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

At Osceola Park on Creek Street friends and neighbors grilled and talked while the younger residents of the area played in a hydrant opened by the Natchez Fire Department.

And while the event looked more like a party than a means to combat crime, Mullins said it was exactly as it should be.

“This is what we want,” he said. “People need to get out meet their neighbors and get to know each other.”

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins talks about the imporatnce of National Night Out in the Miss-Lou. Click here for slideshow

Mullins said once neighbors are comfortable with each other they are more apt to help each other — and law enforcement — in identifying potential crime and helping the authorities.

“Don’t be afraid to be a nosy neighbor,” he said.

Wanda Mulvihill has lived in the area since its construction and said she loves the event.

“This is how neighbors get to know each other and stand against crime,” she said.

Birdie Wade has lived in the Creek Street Community for 15 years and also helped coordinate the event.

Wade acknowledged that while there are no communities without crime, Night Out is a way that residents can lessen the impact of crime on a community.

“Anything we can do to help stop it is a good thing,” she said.

And while many of the children at the event were too young to contemplate a crime problem, Mullins said the opportunity officers have to communicate with them at events like National Night Out is crucial.

“This is a great opportunity for us to interact with children,” he said.

Mullins said all too often officers don’t have the opportunity to stop and communicate with children on their patrol.

And Night Out gives them that chance.

“We want them to know they can come to us for help,” he said. “We’re here to help.”