Rikki King, The Herald
EVERETT — In Granite Falls, they’ll have a Humvee.
In downtown Lake Stevens, a DJ will play. In Snohomish, neighbors will throw block parties.
A number of Snohomish County cities and neighborhoods plan family fairs on Tuesday as part of National Night Out, an annual event that promotes meeting the neighbors and preventing crime. Some communities also plan neighborhood block parties.
The Granite Falls event is a partnership between police, the local IGA and community groups, police officer Don Lauer said
“It’s going to be a great time for the kids,” he said. “They’re going to have a lot of fun. There are a lot of giveaways.”
Like many of the Night Out events, Granite Falls will have police, fire and military vehicles for kids to check out, free food, and a bouncy house.
“It’s a great opportunity for the parents to find out about services that are available in the community and talk with not only community organizations, but with community leaders as well,” Lauer said.
As fall approaches, National Night Out is a chance for families to talk about safety, Mukilteo police officer Cheol Kang said. Kids heading back to school can have fun, eat food and win prizes. The events bring people together, Kang said.
“It’s just good to have that reminder about what’s available as resources and crime prevention,” he said.
Lake Stevens plans two kinds of music downtown along Main Street during National Night Out, said Kirsten Mueller, program coordinator at the Lake Stevens Family Center.
There will be a DJ in one spot playing family-friendly music and karaoke, she said. In another spot, a live band will play pop hits from the 1980s.
Activities include laser tag, face-painting and a race car display from the Evergreen Speedway, Mueller said. About 30 booths are planned, along with free hot dogs, nachos and popcorn.
“A lot of what we’re promoting is a chance to come together as a community and let people know that these people in your community are here,” she said. “We want to meet you. We want to get to know you. And as we collaborate as a community, it instills a sense of pride.”
Mountlake Terrace plans a martial arts demonstration and square dancing. More than 1,000 people attended the city’s event last year.
For more information about specific events, contact your local police department.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Arlington: Block parties.
Bothell: Block parties.
Brier: 6 p.m., Brier Park
Edmonds: Was held July 30.
Everett: Block parties.
Gold Bar: Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at 10th Street and Lewis Avenue, then ends at Gold Bar Elementary. Event ends at 9 p.m.
Granite Falls: 5 to 8 p.m. in the field between Alfy’s Pizza and the IGA.
Lake Stevens: 5 to 8:30 p.m. at North Cove Park and Main Street.
Lynnwood: Block parties.
Marysville: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave.
Mill Creek: Shared with the county.
Monroe: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lake Tye Park.
Mountlake Terrace: 6 to 9 p.m., Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave West.
Mukilteo: 4 to 7 p.m., Mukilteo YMCA, 10601 47th Place W.), and block parties. More info: http://tinyurl.com/mukNNO2013
Tulalip: Shared with Marysville.
Snohomish: Block parties.
Stanwood: 6 to 9 p.m., former Thrifty Foods parking lot, 27225 90th Ave. NW.
Sultan: Shared with Gold Bar.
Snohomish County: 5 to 8 p.m., Willis Tucker Park, 6705 Puget Park Drive.