Reason #56 for why I love Snohomish county. Cities here plan and organize public outreach initiatives
between governmental departments, local businesses, and their communities.
Want a chance to learn a few things from law enforcement
techniques to fire control? Want to
learn how robotics are used to fix a variety of public utility problems? Free flu shots or blood sugar tests? Well, how about discovering local
businesses? Free entertainment for
kids? Then a visit to the city fair
might be a good reason for getting out of the house.
The only challenge is parking. For the Fair on 44th, visitors
could find free parking close-by, to include Fred Meyer. The thing about Fred Meyer is that there are
signs that say “parking is for customers only, others will be towed”. I parked there, went inside Fred Meyer, and
made a small purchase. Either way, if
you go inside before or after, you are still considered a customer, right? I love Fred Meyer, but they have to make an
exception during this type of event.
So, a new bottle of water and a 5-minute walk, we were on the
first block of the fair. The LPD gave an
impressive police dog demonstration, which reminded me of why running from a
police dog is such a bad idea. I photograph
it, move to the next attraction. Here,
a robotics officer instructs a kid handling a remote controlled robot. Across from them, visitors board a SWAT
vehicle.
On the second block of the fair, utility companies, transit,
and youth organizations provided activities and gave away small items that you
will probably have no way to carry around.
Third block attractions gave businesses and visitors an
opportunity for interaction. The cool
thing about this section, visitors could get free flu shots, blood pressure
tests, or blood sugar tests, which is convenient and helpful to those people
like me who prefer convenience. I never
have had my blood sugar levels tested, to be honest, I eat a lot of snacks, I
was a little worried. My blood sugar
turned out average and I probably have jogging to thank for that.
Block four, fire and rescue attraction, in front of the
firehouse. Visitors could snap a picture
of their kids on a vintage fire truck.
If kids wanted something bigger, they could also get close to current
models.
I appreciate events like this. These things build relationships and trust
between government and community. It’s
especially important now. During a time
in American history where relationships have been slightly damaged, community events improve perceptions, hopefully
exposing the human side to all people.