MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - In the hours before polls were set to close in Michigan, residents in the Indian Hills Neighborhood got together to get to know their neighbors, as well as the police who help protect them.

"It's really about crime prevention, it's the main focus. And the Meridian Township Police Department comes, and we get to meet them and we get to know them on a better basis," said Mike Swartz, President of the Indian Hills Home Owner's Association.

Adults weren't the only ones taking the opportunity to socialize. From sack races to soccer games and a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog, children also had the opportunity to meet someone new.

When asked what he was doing, Quentin Zeller said, "Well, mainly making friends, because my mom says I make friends easily."

But they were also keeping their eyes to the sky, as a helicopter arrival was anticipated. Unfortunately, the helicopter was unable to land in the Indian Hills Common Area due to inclement weather, but that didn't stop people from coming out and having a good time.

Dayna Amboy, who's lived in Indian Hills for a year and a half, was excited that this year's event was well attended.

"We did come last year; It wasn't as well attended. This year, there's a lot of people coming out," Amboy said.

But for Meridian Township Police Officer Erin Linn, the most important part was that people came out.

"We support working together with the communities, and this is a yearly event where we join together with the communities to help everybody get to know each other," Linn said.

Linn also brought out her K-9 Partner to not only entertain the crowd with a demonstration, but also to show how the dog plays a role in protecting their neighborhood and their community.