By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities on Tuesday, Aug. 6, as part of the community’s celebration of National Night Out.

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and City leaders will join residents at more than 20 gatherings planned for the annual community-building event, most of which will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

National Night Out began in the 1980s with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes. Every year, events are held nationwide on the first Tuesday in August to encourage citizens to turn their porch lights on and come out outside to meet their neighbors.


“National Night Out provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the City of Kentwood really is a community effort,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The City’s entire leadership team is looking forward to celebrating the strong sense of community that exists in Kentwood and helping to promote the practice of neighbors caring for neighbors.”


The Kentwood Police Department has partnered with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at emergency vehicles both outside and throughout the mall from 3 to 5 p.m. Large emergency vehicles will be on display outside by Celebration! Cinema, while other vehicles will be placed throughout the mall for shoppers to learn about and explore. A table featuring Kentwood Police Department giveaways will be located in the Barnes and Nobles wing.

In addition, several public community-based events will be hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. and feature a variety of activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Locations of those events include:

Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party featuring a bounce house, free meal, face painting, music, carnival games and other kids’ activities.

South United Methodist Church, 4500 S. Division Ave., will have free ice cream and hot dogs, a live band, door prizes and a small water slide for young children.

Faith Church, 1412 44th St. SE, will have food trucks and a live band.

“A strong alliance with law enforcement is necessary for fostering safer neighborhoods,” Police Chief Thomas Hillen said. “Members of our department enjoy any opportunity to connect with residents, but National Night Out in particular offers a great opportunity to build positive relationships and create open lines of communication.”


More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.

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