VENTURA : Public Invited to Police Block Party

Music, food and crime prevention will highlight the Ventura Police Department’s fourth annual Block Party on Saturday.

The free event, staged in conjunction with National Law Enforcement Day, Police Officer Memorial Day and Older Americans Month, will be held at Ventura police headquarters, 1425 Dowell Drive.

Authorities from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol and other local agencies will be on hand, along with Ventura police officers, displaying emergency equipment and meeting the public.

The 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. event will feature continuous musical entertainment, including the country groups Silver Moon at 8:30 a.m., Shilo at 10:30 a.m. and Darlene and the Dixie Flyers at 2 p.m.

A second stage will offer music by Satin Soul II at 11 a.m. and rockers Here to There at 2 p.m. Entertainment for children will be offered in a special area throughout the day.

Last year’s Block Party attracted about 15,000 residents, organizers said. Proceeds from food and game booths will be used as seed money for next year’s event.

The department also is seeking volunteers to staff 2 1/2-hour shifts, run game booths, don costumes and blow up balloons. Volunteers will get all the free soda they can drink. To participate, call 339-4449.