The City of Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station personnel will once again join millions of Americans in throwing a going away party for crime and drugs on National Night Out at City Beach Park on Aug. 2.

As in years past, NAS Whidbey will co-host the event with the City of Oak Harbor. Over 8,000 communities in 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world will unite in this common cause. Over 2,000 Oak Harbor citizens took part last year.

National Night Out is designed to increase awareness about crime and drug prevention; generate support for local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit/police community relations; and send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The event runs from Noon to 8 p.m. A parade starts at 3 p.m. with emergency lights and sirens operated by the Island County Public Safety Team. A few of the scheduled events and demonstrations include a dunk tank, crime prevention, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) displays, climbing wall, fatal vision golf cart rides, and live music.

The Fraternal Order of Police, North Cascades Lodge #18 is generously providing a Bounce House for the kids during this year’s event. If you would like to know more about this local charitable organization, go to their website at http://www.wafop18.com{{PERIOD}}

Call MA1(SW) Sara Hogarth at 257-3127 or Rick Bell at 675-7320 to volunteer your time and for more information.