The 28th Annual National Night Out is tonight! — Tuesday, August 2nd and the Snohomish County County Executive Office, in partnership with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, is hosting a county-wide event at McCollum Pioneer Park from 5 to 8PM. Citizens are encouraged to turn on porch lights, lock their doors and come out to meet police, fire-fighters, civic leaders, non-profit groups and other community groups. There will be food, music by Trainwreck [a country band from Stanwood] booths and giveaways. McCollum Pioneer Park is located at 600 128th St. SE Everett, WA
“This annual event is an excellent opportunity for families and individuals to learn how they can make our community a little safer,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “It’s also a great chance to meet the women and men who work and serve in public safety.”
National Night Out is sponsored by National Association of Town Watch. It’s designed to heighten crime & drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit & police-community partnerships & send the message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized & fighting back. It grew out of a need to strengthen & build neighborhood “Block Watch” programs. Do tell.
Originally, National Night Out was observed by putting the lights on and keeping vigil on the front porch, but over the years neighborhoods, cities, whole communities have opted to observe the “night” by holding block parties, BBQs, inviting local police and sheriff departments to visit, hosting parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests and entertainment.
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010. — www.nationalnightout.org/nno
Additional info obtained from media release — Office of the Snohomish County Executive.