When the Party at the Pier began three years ago, it was a way to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for local students on the last day of school. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Shane McGraw, a coordinator for the event with the Legacy Group in Silverdale, said area young people had made it a tradition for more than 80 years to hang out by the pier on the last day of school.

Unfortunately, he said besides the fun and tradition there were instances of other unwanted activity as well.

“There was a history of violence and drugs,” he said. “Then three years ago, one student said, ‘Why don’t we just throw a party ourselves?’ ”

McGraw said this idea saw the birth of the first official Party at the Pier and began a growing tradition offering a safe and enjoyable environment for young people finishing their school year.

As an official event, the party just keeps growing. McGraw said the first party drew 1,000 people, the second year brought in 3,200 and organizers are anticipating 4,000 people at this year’s event.

The upcoming event will include music by a live band, multiple local DJs, including DJ Traxx and DJ ethnicity, and a dance off, among other activities.

There will also be an Xbox trailer, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a car show and prizes and giveaways by local merchants supporting the event.

Free food will also be available at the event. McGraw said the food will include hot dogs and hamburgers and a root beer garden supplied by Silver City Brewery.

McGraw said the event was an opportunity for the local community to engage in the lives of young people while letting the youth be themselves and have a good time.

The Party at the Pier is supported by multiple local agencies including the Haselwood YMCA, the Legacy Group Lending, New Life Kitsap, Brother’s Powersports, Thrivent Financial and Silver City Brewery.

McGraw said there was still a need for support for the event, and the community could become involved by donating at the support link at www.patp.tv.com.

The Party at the Pier will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Silverdale Waterfront. There is no charge for admission and everyone in the community is invited to attend.