Will you chip in to support our nonproft newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want want to support My Edmonds News!
Edmonds neighbors gathered on a picture-perfect August evening to meet, share food, get to know one another, laugh and build those community bonds so important to maintaining safe, healthy neighborhoods.
This year’s events in Edmonds spanned the age and lifestyle demographics of the community. There were gatherings dominated by young families with small kids, others by retired seniors living in condos and everything in between – all drawn together by the opportunity to share food and pleasant times with each other.
But it’s more than just food and fun
Established in 1984 – 40 years ago – National Night Out began when a host of grassroots town watch and block watch efforts came together to build what has become a tradition for thousands of communities and neighborhoods nationwide. That year, the first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.
Over the years it has become a celebration beyond just front-porch vigils and symbolic efforts among neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, exhibits, visits by emergency and law enforcement personnel, and more.
Today, millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out observances across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October).
First responders plays a vital role in these events as they bring police, firefighters and neighbors together under positive circumstances. This helps to build and strengthen the critical partnership between citizens and law enforcement that is at the heart of community safety. Kids get to sit in patrol cars, turn on the siren, meet the K-9 officers, even share a hot dog, a laugh and a joke with the local cop. It breaks down old barriers by enhancing the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement and builds a true sense of community. Everyone comes away with a heightened sense that we’re all in this together.
— Story and photos by Larry Vogel
Thanks for being a committed reader and getting to the end of story. To help us tell many more stories in our community, please donate to our newsroom today!
Yes, I want to support My Edmonds News!
Shout out to the 7th & Elm/Fir block too! Fun night!
Would love to join up with you folks sometime – we are the 13th Way crowd. Such a great night of community building, and love hearing that more neighborhoods are joining in. Thank you to Edmonds Police and South County Fire for connecting with us, too!!
Special thanks to Tabatha and Brittany from the Edmonds Police Department, and to all of the firefighters who let the kids climb all over their firetruck! The Emerald Hills neighbors loved having an excuse to get together and enjoy each other’s company! 🙂
It is unfortunate that our city leaders couldn’t join us last night due to the City Council and prior business meetings going on at the same time. Perhaps in the future they could consider rescheduling the meetings to a different night?
My Haines Wharf neighborhood is filled with nice neighbors who care about each other’s welfare. This event is always so heartwarming because we get to really connect, like a block party, and it happens every Summer! The police that came to our event were so supportive and listened intently to our concerns. Makes me want to get together more often!
As the retired Crime Prevention Officer for the Lynnwood Police Department and a long-time Edmonds resident, I know how important these get-togethers can be to unite neighbors and reduce crime. Don’t just make it a summer event, schedule informal block watches several times a year. Ask your local police department to provide a speaker on burglary prevention, graffiti abatement, personal safety, or even child safety. I am an expert in child safety and the author of 3 books on that subject, and I am always willing to teach your kids how to stay safe in today’s world.
Trudy Dana Trudydana@hotmail.com