By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

It's time for some serious fun again.

The Bonney Lake Police Department is kicking off the eighth annual National Night Out and community block party from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Allan Yorke Park.

The event is meant to raise awareness in the area about crime and drug prevention and to bring the community and police department closer.

National Night Out was started in 1984 by Matt Preskin, executive director of National Association of Town Watch. According to Preskin's press release, the first year of National Night Out, 400 communities in 23 states participated. Last year the organization stated more than 11,000 communities in all 50 states participated.

This year in Bonney Lake there are many activities planned including the annual softball games between the citizens, police, fire department and public works staff.

There will be booths featuring East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Kiwanis, Washington State Patrol Drug Dog, Good Samaritan Hospital bicycle helmet and life vest program and others.

There will be a super jump bouncy toy for the kids and McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand.

Glitterbug and Beep Beep from Clown Buggie Entertainment will be on hand to provide plenty of fun.

Mayor Neil Johnson signed a proclamation declaring today, Wednesday, through Tuesday as Clown Week in Bonney Lake. The city of Sumner did the same and President George Bush declared the week as National Clown Week, which celebrates the good work of clowns across the country.

Beep Beep and Glitterbug spend many hours each month doing charitable work. The clowns travel two to three times a week to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center to help bring some fun to the children in the hospital.