The City’s 13th annual National Night Out (NNO) is Tuesday, August 4, from 6-9 p.m. at Evergreen Playfield Complex, 22205 56th Avenue West.  The event kicks off  with a Cascade Elite Gymnastics demonstration at 6 p.m. followed by an Air Lift NW Medical  Transport helicopter landing at around 7 p.m. The rock band “Spazmatics”, sponsored by  Premera, will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Caricature artist, Steve Hartley, sponsored by Home  Street Bank, will draw a crowd throughout the event. Other sponsors include Target, Pepsi and  the Mountlake Terrace Business Association.

NNO features displays of city departments, local services, and service organizations including Fire District 1 Fire Truck and Aid Car, US Navy Humvee, officers, and K-9 Team, SWAT member and equipment to name a few.   Other entertainment includes face painting and bouncy houses. I also hear that the Mountlake Terrace Library is hosting a karaoke contest with prizes.

“This fun, family-oriented event raises crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthens neighborhood spirit and provides an opportunity for neighbors and friends to gather and meet other neighbors, community leaders and local service providers,” according to Yvonne Jones, Chair of the city’s Community Police Advisory Board, which spearheads the event.

Started in 1996, Mountlake Terrace’s NNO was selected as a 2004 National Award Winner for its “extraordinary participation” in the NNO program.  “The campaign involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials,” Jones said.