SMOKEY POINT — The city of Arlington is inviting citizens to its own observance of the 28th annual “National Night Out Against Crime” on Aug. 2.

This year’s Night Out for Arlington will run from 5-8 p.m. in the Food Pavilion parking lot in Smokey Point, at the corner of 172nd Street NE and Smokey Point Boulevard.

The evening’s crime and drug prevention events are set to include demonstrations and displays of equipment by the Arlington Police, Fire and Public Works departments, as well as activities for children of all ages. McGruff the Crime Dog is even scheduled to make an appearance.

The Arlington Kiwanis Club will provide free popcorn and the Rotary Club of Arlington will offer free hot dogs to attendees. Other organizations expected to participate include ServPro of Marysville, the Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse, Photographic Journeys, Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims, the Snohomish County Public Utility District, the Arlington Farmers Market and the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce.

The National Association of Town Watch introduced the National Night Out in 1984 in an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts. It’s a national program coordinated by local crime prevention agencies and organizations. Since 1984, the event has grown to involve more than 34 million people in more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states.

This night is designed to serve as an opportunity for residents to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie. In addition, National Night Out seeks to strengthens neighborhood spirit, sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.