City Invites Residents to Celebrate National Night Out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 4, 2026

CITY OF LAWRNCE INVITES RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
 
LAWRENCE, IN – The City of Lawrence invites residents to celebrate National Night Out on Tues., Aug. 4, as Mayor Deb Whitfield, Lawrence Police officers, firefighters, and City staff visit neighborhood block parties, cookouts, and community gatherings across the city from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that strengthens partnerships between residents and first responders. Rather than hosting a single centralized event, Lawrence brings the celebration directly into neighborhoods, allowing public safety officials and City leaders to connect with residents where they live. Throughout the evening, City officials will visit 18 neighborhood gatherings, reinforcing the relationships that help make Lawrence a safe and welcoming community.
 
"One of Lawrence's greatest strengths is our sense of community," said Mayor Deb Whitfield. "National Night Out brings neighbors together, strengthens relationships with our police officers and firefighters, and reminds us that public safety is a shared responsibility. It's one of my favorite nights of the year because it showcases the very best of Lawrence."
 
Lawrence Police Chief Curtis Bigsbee said the evening is about far more than visiting neighborhood gatherings. "It's about building trust and strengthening relationships," Bigsbee said. "When we spend time together outside of an emergency, we create connections that make our community stronger and safer."
 
As they travel together throughout the city, police officers, firefighters, and City leaders will stop at each participating neighborhood, giving residents an opportunity to meet first responders, ask questions, and engage in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
"It's an opportunity to break down barriers between the badge and the community," Bigsbee added. "People get to know us as neighbors and partners, and we get to know the families we serve."
 
This year's celebration is made even more special through the generosity of CSX and the First Responders Children's Foundation, which donated toys for Lawrence Police officers to distribute to children throughout the evening. The giveaways have become a favorite National Night Out tradition, creating lasting memories for young residents and their families.
 
Neighborhood celebrations will feature cookouts, games, music, face painting, and activities for children, with many hosting additional family-friendly entertainment.
"My favorite part of National Night Out is the camaraderie," said Bigsbee. "Watching kids laugh and play, seeing them interact with our officers, and watching neighbors connect with one another—that's what this event is all about."
 
Residents are encouraged to attend their neighborhood's National Night Out celebration and enjoy an evening of community, conversation, and fun. A complete list of participating neighborhoods is available at www.cityoflawrence.org.
 
Media Contact:
Denise Herd, Herd Strategies
317-796-0514
denise@herdstrategies.com

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About the City of Lawrence, Indiana 
Located northeast of Indianapolis, the City of Lawrence is Indiana’s 20th largest city and home to approximately 50,000 residents. While its military base was decommissioned in 1996, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant community that blends rich history with modern amenities. Under the leadership of Mayor Deb Whitfield, the city continues to thrive as a welcoming place to live, work, and play. Learn more at cityoflawrence.org.