Thousands of people gathered at Windjammer Park last Tuesday evening to participate in Oak Harbor’s National Night Out.

Event organizer Cathy Niiro, the executive director of United Way of Island County, said this year was probably the best yet.

National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention campaign that is celebrated throughout the United States on the first Tuesday in August. Niiro said the goal of the event is to establish relationships between community members and their law enforcement officials.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island commanding officer, Capt. Jay Johnston, gave opening remarks along with Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, Island County Sheriff Mark Brown and Oak Harbor Police Chief Rick Wallace.

“It’s an honor to be involved in National Night Out for 28 years now,” Capt. Johnston said.

Navy personnel showed off their K-9 security unit, battle rigs and training suits and put on a search and rescue demonstration.

Spectators gawked as Senior Chief Jeremiah Wilkins propelled himself out of a helicopter and “rescued” Lt. Eileen Crawford from the park below.

Additionally, dozens of young kids and teenagers took a swing at a member of NAS Whidbey security who sported a bright red hand-to-hand combat training suit.

“Let’s see what you got!” Master-at-Arms Chief Petty Officer Dan Thiel called out to 7-year-old Kristina Jones as she stepped into the ring.

“People got a taste of what National Night Out is all about,” Niiro said. “It’s an interaction between law enforcement and first responders. People get to interact with agencies that they usually don’t get to.”