Kent neighborhoods and communities can sign up now for the annual National Night Out. This year’s event is on Tuesday, Aug. 2.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Each year, the Kent Police Department joins with the National Association of Town Watch for National Night Out, a highly effective crime and community awareness event.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
National Night Out is an opportunity to bring neighbors together, get to know each other while enjoying a snack or meal and other fun activities, according to a Kent Police media release.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Events will include potlucks, barbecues, dessert socials and other gatherings that build community pride and cooperation. It\u2019s a great time to learn more about your Neighborhood Watch program, while telling criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It is anticipated that over 37 million people representing 15,000 communities will participate in National Night Out this year. Kent has a long and highly successful history with National Night Out.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In 2010, Kent with 103 gatherings ranked as the 16th most successful event for a mid-sized city in America, competing with communities such as Orlando, Fla., and St. Paul, Minn.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Once again, Kent Police officers will be visiting events throughout the city.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cNational Night Out provides the Kent Police Department with an opportunity to say thank you to our residents for being our extra eyes and ears,\u201d said Chief Ken Thomas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Joining Thomas to visit gatherings Aug. 2 will be other Kent city staff including City Council members, the Regional Fire Authority, Parks, and Public Works employees. Representatives from Washington State government will attend. Target, a national sponsor of National Night Out, will also be represented.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Local events will run from 5-9 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n