The Bonney Lake Police Department is ramping up preparations for this year’s National Night Out celebration Aug. 3.

Like last year, this event will start in Ken Simmons Park on Lake Bonney and progress to Cedarview Park to wrap up the evening.

According to Bonney Lake Community Service Officer Kris Yanez, National Night Out is an opportunity for neighborhoods to show a united front that they will not tolerate crime.

“It’s neighbors taking their neighborhood back,” Yanez said.

“It’s also a good chance for neighbors to get out and meet (each other),” she added.

In addition, police officers make themselves accessible to the public so citizens have a chance to meet and talk with their police department.

Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with a caravan of police and fire vehicles to Ken Simmons Park, where residents have organized a root beer float party.

Following the events at Lake Bonney, the caravan heads to Cedarview park at 6:15 p.m. for a block party organized by residents, complete with face painting, clowns from Clown Buggie Entertainment, hot dogs, a bounce house for the kids and craft table.

Members of the police force, as well as McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog from East Pierce Fire and Rescue will be on hand at both locations.

Residents will have an opportunity to speak with officers and even tour the SWAT armored vehicle, which will join the caravan.

There will also be goodie bags for residents.

Yanez said the department is also trying to organize a bike rodeo for Cedarview.

The festivities are scheduled to end by 8 p.m.

According to Yanez, the department looks forward to National Night Out each year.

“Each year we keep hoping it will grow and get bigger,” she said.