Edmonds College and Lynnwood Police Department hosts National Night Out on campus Aug. 5

07/24/14

Edmonds College is partnering with the Lynnwood Police Department to host National Night Out to promote safety and neighborhood camaraderie. The event — free and open to the public — is Aug. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the campus courtyard, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood.

The neighborhood gathering — aimed at increasing awareness about crime prevention — will include family-friendly games and free refreshments and snacks.

Local police and fire officials will be on hand to talk about sobriety tests, HAM radio operation, and emergency preparedness in several different languages. They'll also be showcasing emergency response vehicles.

Lynnwood Mayor, Nicola Smith and Edmonds CC President, Dr. Jean Hernandez will be answering questions along with McGruff the Crime Dog.

Adam Lee, a well-known balloon genius, will be creating balloon sculptures for kids.

Part of a larger national movement, National Night Out was started in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) — founded in 1984 — to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie.

According to the NATW, National Night Out involves more than 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Locally, neighborhoods create their own block parties to create awareness. Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with a variety of citywide and neighborhood events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events. The Edmonds CC gathering will be a combination of all of those.

After the National Night Out event concludes, the community is invited to stay for a free outdoor showing of "Frozen," a PG rated movie. Sponsored by the college's Students for Services with Disabilities program, popcorn will be provided and the movie will start at 8:30 p.m. in the grass of the campus courtyard. Those staying for the movie can bring blankets and chairs.