GARDINER — An annual celebration that recognizes the unified effort between military, law enforcement and emergency responders to protect communities is scheduled Saturday at Fort Discovery.

Food, live music, kids’ games and demonstrations of all things security-related — knife fighting, first responder equipment, K-9 police dogs and the like — will mark Saturday’s picnic and celebration at Fort Discovery.

The 2017 Unity of Effort, hosted by Security Services Northwest, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3501 Old Gardiner Road.

Entry is by donation. Proceeds go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which ensures the surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty can obtain a post-secondary degree.

Children younger than 17 and members of the various military, law enforcement and emergency responder entities enter free.

Represented entities include the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, local fire departments and local law enforcement agencies.

Because Fort Discovery’s parking is limited, 7 Cedars Casino will provide a free shuttle, according to Fort Discovery’s website. It will depart from the casino’s upper parking lot hourly from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and return to the lot every hour from noon to 6 p.m.

Performing for the celebration will be the Buck Ellard Band and Stardust Big Band. Sequim resident Danika Chen will sing the national anthem at the opening celebration. A few Sea Gals will also attend the celebration.

Bouncy houses, games and a straw toy find will be there to entertain the kids.

RVSPs are encouraged but not required. To RSVP, email Jennifer Scott at jen@ssnwHQ.com or fill out the form on Fort Discovery’s website.

For more information, visit www.fortdiscoveryusa.com/ unityofeffort.