National Night Out on Prospect

Prospect Street neighbors enjoyed a Block Party cookout on August 6, marking the 30th year celebrating National Night Out [NNO]. National Night Out began in 1993 as an annual community-building campaign to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. James and Marcie Young have coordinated the annual Prospect St Block Party since 1994. 

Today over 38 million neighbors in 17,000 communities take part in National Night Out across all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other community events. 

Over the years the Prospect St Block party participants have enjoyed bike parades, porch band music, visits from the LPD mascot and a tour of a Lincoln Fire & Rescue fire truck. Many friends, relatives and visitors have joined in the event. It often is one of the first things mentioned to new residents moving to the street.

“National Night Out has created a true sense of neighborhood camaraderie and enhances the relationship between neighbors and the LPD”, said James Young, organizer. “We thank the NSNA for supporting NNO by funding the block party permit fee. It has become the most anticipated event on our street, and really does bring neighbors together with a feeling of community.”