The Maple Valley Police Department invites residents to participate in the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event on August 6.

National Night Out is designed to raise awareness of crime and drug prevention, generate support and participation in local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals—letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Neighborhoods in Maple Valley will participate with block parties, cookouts, games, and visits from the police and fire departments.

There will be a gathering at Glacier Valley Community Park, located at Southeast 281st Street and 238 Avenue Southeast, at 7 p.m. August 6.

The event is co-sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, Maple Valley Police, The King County Sheriff’s Office, and Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety.