Next week, on Aug. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., neighbors all over Ballard will be celebrating Night Out, http://www.seattle.gov/spd/Nightout/the annual event where the Seattle Police Department open up streets to block parties.

More than just barbecues, music and chit-chatting with neighbors, the event offers and opportunity to raise awareness about crime. With constant reports of house and car break-ins -- even potted plant theft -- Ballardites have been on edge this past year.

There's still time to register your own block for a Night Out event. Just visit http://www.seattle.gov/spd/Nightout/ and follow the directions. Note that arterial streets cannot be closed.

If you don't want to bother doing your own event, join someone else's. A map of parties can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/spd/Nightout/nightoutevents.htm, though not all of the parties are listed on here.

For example, not on the map, East Ballard Community Association will be hosting an event at 14th Ave NW, between NW 59th and NW 61st streets. It'll have food, games, artist demonstrations, music and more.

Shilshole Bay Marina also has a big Night Out event every year, with possibly one of the best views overlooking the sailboats and Shilshole Bay. Port of Seattle police will be personally serving up hotdogs and hamburgers.

Wherever you are, just don't miss out on what is one of the biggest neighborhood events of the year.

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