Hundreds Gather at Attwood Park for Record-Breaking National Night Out event

National Night Out 2026 organizers Lisa Kubany, Tammy Gillum, Annette King and Shelby Seymour are joined by volunteer LaWanda Sims in helping make this year’s community celebration a success. Not pictured is organizer Latonya Floyd.

Attwood Park was filled with laughter, smiles, and community spirit on the beautiful summer evening of Aug. 4 as hundreds of residents came together for the City of Wayne’s second annual National Night Out.
Hosted by the Wayne Police Department, Wayne Fire Department, Wayne Department of Public Works, and Wayne Youth Services, the free family event celebrated the strong partnerships between local first responders and the community they proudly serve.
Thanks to the generosity of numerous businesses, organizations, and volunteers, families enjoyed an evening packed with activities, games, emergency vehicle displays, food, giveaways, and opportunities to meet the men and women who help keep Wayne safe every day.
Community support made the event possible through contributions from Wayne Industries, Wayne-Westland Federal Credit Union, Wayne Dairy Queen, Cul-Mac Industries, Jack Demmer Ford, Phoenix State Wayne Theatre, Hickory Hollow Co-Op, Frazier’s Towing and Auto Repair, IBEW Local 58, Law Auto Sales, First Congregational Church of Wayne, Police Officers Union Local 644, Police Command Union, Ford Motor Company–Wayne Assembly Plant, State Farm–Kevin Hatmaker, First Responders Children’s Foundation, CSX Railroad, Top Ladies, Lanterns Church, and food vendors Heavenly Hotdogs, GFAZ Pizza, and Koolies Ice Cream Truck.

Kids enjoy plenty of summertime fun during the Foam Party at National Night Out. Below, youngsters get an up-close look at equipment used by the Wayne Department of Public Works while learning more about the important work DPW crews do throughout the community.

Their generosity created an evening where hundreds of children and families could enjoy free food, games, backpacks, T-shirts, and activities while making lasting memories together.
The event experienced remarkable growth from its inaugural year. Organizers noted that while last year’s event concluded with extra backpacks and T-shirts after serving fewer than the anticipated 250 children, this year’s attendance more than doubled expectations.
Although supplies disappeared quickly, organizers viewed that as the greatest measure of success.
“Every backpack, every T-shirt, every hot dog, and every smile represented another child and another family we were able to reach,” organizers said. “It exceeded anything we imagined.”
Throughout the evening, children climbed aboard police cars, fire engines, and public works vehicles while interacting with first responders in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Families enjoyed games, entertainment, and conversation, strengthening the relationships that National Night Out was created to foster.
Beyond the fun, the event highlighted the importance of community policing and neighborhood partnerships by creating opportunities for residents and first responders to connect outside of emergency situations.
Organizers credited the event’s success to the dedication of city departments, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and community partners who donated countless hours, resources, and talents to make the evening possible.
National Night Out 2026 served as a reminder that Wayne’s greatest strength is its people and what can be accomplished when an entire community works together.
Plans are already underway for next year’s celebration. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2027, when National Night Out returns to continue building friendships, strengthening neighborhoods, and celebrating the heart of the Wayne community.