MARYSVILLE – National Night Out has turned into a rather festive event in Marysville.

Children collect free keepsakes such as balloons, coloring books and candy.

But the deeper message is still there in the pamphlets that are made available – Let’s work together to fight crime.

Volunteer Bob Rise was there to talk to visitors about Business Watch. It’s like Neighborhood Watch except for businesses. One has formed on 3rd and 4th streets in Marysville, where they look out for one another to prevent crime.

“Crime is down downtown,” he said of the area that previously had problems with transients and drug activity.

He said those same problems now are occurring at Lakewood Crossing, where some stores are trying to form a Business Watch.

“It’s hard to get people to commit,” Rise said.

Andrea Hill was there to educate people about the police department.

“It’s about working together,” she said. “Police can’t be everywhere at once.”

Police officer Nate Zaretzke talked to attendees about Marysville’s SWAT team. The squad’s remote robot was popular with kids and adults alike.

Zaretzke said the 12-person team all have other duties, but is called in on situations involving potential gunfire.

“The robot is sent in before people,” he said.

For instance, if a search warrant is served for a drug arrest the robot, with its cameras, is sent in to make sure a house is clear and that no one is hiding, he said.

Police Chief Rick Smith enjoys the event because of the many positive comments he receives from the public.

“When we respond to calls we get a different response,” he joked.

The atmosphere helps remind police why they do what they do, he added.

“The thanks is tremendous,” he said. It reminds us that, “Everybody cares for one another.”

The event didn’t just feature police groups, however.

New fire chief Martin McFalls was there with some of his staff.

“We’re here for you,” was his message to the public. “We’re the fire department, but we can help with other issues you have.”

Victim advocate groups also were on hand.

Lisa Campbell of Domestic Violence Services had information for kids.

“Hands are not for hitting,” she said.

But she also had pamphlets for adults who may be victims.

Paula Newman-Skomski works at the Providence Center for Assault and Abuse, but she also is trying to raise $500,000 for a Peoria Home in the area. Patterned after a two-year recovery home in Nashville, the house not only gets drug addicts and prostitutes off the streets, but it also trains them with job skills.

“If you’re on the streets, you don’t have anything to put on your resume to get a job,” she said, adding recovery programs in the area only provide help for people up to age 18.

Many other groups also were represented:

•Wellness ambassadors Brandi Morgan and Shawna Davis talked about health issues, including staying hydrated, getting flu shots and about the Redi Clinic in Arlington.

•Phil Thorleifson represented the Marysville-Tulalip Lions Giving Library. They give away donated books to schools, libraries and gave out books at this event.

•Pamela Harding was there with her dog, Cash, telling people about Snohomish County Search and Rescue.

•Other booths represented a shooting range, Narcotics Anonymous, the Army, and the Red Cross, which had a flier on Helping Children Cope with Disaster.

David Rich of Marysville attended the event with his family. Emergency Management Officer Diana Rose talked to him about the city’s new Map Your Neighborhood program. In it, neighbors get together and find out how they can help each other in the event of a disaster.

“It’s a great idea,” he said. “I work at Boeing, and I worry about my wife and kids if something happens, and I get stuck in traffic” trying to get home.