MARYSVILLE — Jon Gordon hopes to give visitors to the Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home some positive experiences there, which is why it’s hosting a block party from noon to 3 p.m. July 31.

“We’re a business in the community too, and I’ve always seen us as a community center,” said Gordon, the general manager at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. “I’ve staged many parties like this over the years at funeral homes.”

Although the Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home has already hosted meetings of various community organizations, this will be its first block party. The funeral home’s parking lot will serve as the staging grounds for entertainment by clowns and activities such as face-painting, a bouncy house and a kids’ train. While attendees take in free hot dogs and soda, they can also speak with representatives of the Northwest Organization for Animal Help about pet adoption.

“We’re part of the community too, which is why we called N.O.A.H. about helping them out,” Gordon said.

Growing up in Montana, Gordon’s parents were best friends with the owners of a funeral home that he often biked past, but knowing them didn’t alleviate his fears.

“I’d always pedal a little bit faster until I got past it,” Gordon said. “A lot of people’s first visit to a funeral home is during a funeral, so I’d like to see them when they’re not grieving as well.”

Funeral home staff will be available to give tours of its chapel and selection room, and visitors will also be able to view artifacts such as a wicker gurney.

“We’re not the old morticians in the top hats like people saw in the 1800s,” said Gordon, who touted the funeral home’s programs on dealing with the loss of loved ones during the holidays, as well as the “trunk or treat” event that it’s hosted on Halloween, by passing out candy from the trunks of decorated vehicles.

The Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home is located at 804 State Ave. For more information, you may call them at 360-659-3711.