This weekend’s Ballard Food Festival – a 51-year-old Seattle tradition – expected to draw 75,000 over two and a half days this year, and the Seattle Police Department (SPD) is proud to be a part of the festivities.
Besides food, fun, music, lemonade, and community activities, attendees of all ages can learn about public safety, talk to more than 10 Seattle police officers and community service officers, sit on police motorcycles, and check out new SWAT vehicle. Officers are also handing out ice cream and other treats like stickers and pencils, sparking smiles and conversations with festivalgoers.
Chief Shon Barnes also attended, exploring the festival with his family and engaging with officers and community members.
The festival is organized by the Ballard Alliance, a nonprofit neighbor improvement organization. The group’s executive director Mike Stewart said he was happy that SPD organized a meet and greet with police vehicles for people to enjoy.
“It’s important for community to know who their police officers are,” Stewart told SPD. “This is the perfect opportunity for them to get to know the officers and have conversations.”
Alby Allen, who produces the event for the alliance, said that 75,000 people are expected.
Lieutenant Garth Haynes of the North Precinct credited Sergeant Brendan Sullivan with organizing the department’s presence. The department’s visible and engaging presence at the festival underscores SPD’s commitment to building trust and strengthening partnerships with community members including residents and people who represent nonprofits and businesses.
