Neighborhoods throughout Issaquah celebrated National Night Out with grilled hot dogs, children’s activities and lots of laughs.

The official party hosted by the Issaquah Police department drew locals to the steps of city hall for food, education and fun. Washington State Fish and Wildlife Enforcement was on hand to teach residents about bear safety and to introduce Savute, a Karelian Bear Dog who has only been with the team for three weeks, yet he’s tracked down eight bears.

Along Datewood Drive in the Morgans Ridge neighborhood, 60 neighbors gathered for their own block party. In its third year, Carol Webster and Jackie Longo organized this family friendly event as a way to connect with the people who live next door. Everyone enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, while the kids decorated the side walk and the adults imbibed in a mojito or two.

The goal of National Night Out is to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention, to support local crime prevention efforts, and to have fun with neighbors. More than 36 million people were expected at events across the country.