MARQUETTE — Neighbors Night Out parties, annual community celebrations that bring together neighbors and local law enforcement and first responders, kick off today 6:30 to 8 p.m. with a celebration at the Negaunee Township Fire Department from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The alcohol free and family-friendly parties are put on by Triad, a partnership of law enforcement, older adults and community groups, and are hosted by community organizations and even local residents to help first responders build a rapport with the community members they serve, said Retired Seniors Volunteer Program Director Mary Harris.

“It helps build a sense of safety, people look out for their neighbors if they’ve met them,” Harris said. “The goal is to get a community together in whatever ways are comfortable for that community, so it could be a block party, a party at the township hall, we have some churches that throw parties for their communities, people get a chance to know each other but then first responders come in to meet them.”

Night out gatherings can take place at noon or in the evening and may include fire trucks, police cars, driving simulators, bouncy houses or just be a barbeque between neighbors.

“It’s also fun to bring your kids out to play games and each event is different, it depends on which one you decide to go to, but there is fun to be had,” Harris said.

Such events also help to promote senior safety and inclusivity in one’s community. RSVP helps to remove barriers for those over the age of 55 who wish to volunteer or stay socially active.

“A lot of our seniors are isolated from their community because they can’t go far whether they don’t have transportation, have mobility issues, this gives them the opportunity to meet their neighbors locally,” Harris said. “… They get a chance to meet the people that would be keeping an eye out for them as well as the responders who work in their area.”

Those who have gotten to know area first responders in a neutral setting are more likely to seek help in an emergency situation and seniors often depend on their neighbors to notice if something isn’t right, she said.

“If one of your neighbors is a senior and every night they turn their lights off and go to bed at the same time and you get used to seeing that and you know who they are, then if something is thrown off schedule or you don’t notice the lights turn off during the day, people will pay more attention if they know who that person is,” Harris said.

Often youth don’t have a positive perception of local law enforcement and first responders. Neighbors Night Out events can help to change that, she added.

“If the only interactions they’ve ever had with police and fire is when scary things are happening they may be reluctant to ask for help when they need it, so we want them to build a positive relationship with police and firefighters,” Harris said.

Last year, 14 parties were held throughout the county as part of Neighbors Night Out. The parties are designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; heighten crime and drug prevention; generate support for local anti crime efforts’ send a message to criminals that neighbors are organized and will contact law enforcement if needed; and allows first responders to take an active role in the community by answering home security and general safety questions, a press release from the Marquette County RSVP Program states.

The free to attend Neighbors Night Out parties will continue at noon Friday in the courtyard of the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum; from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Republic EMS Garage on Tuesday; at noon on Aug. 7 at the Marquette City Police Dept. on 300 W. Baraga Ave; from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette on Aug. 7; from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Michigamme Park Pavillion on Aug. 8; At 6 p.m. on Aug. 8, there will be a party on the 300 block of East Prospect Street in Marquette; From 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ishpeming Township Hall on Aug. 12; A block party will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on West Empire Street in Ishpeming on Aug. 15; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Silver Creek Church in Marquette on Aug. 17.

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.