Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Friday, September 29, the city officials and departments will kick off the 40th Anniversary of National Night Out in Hattiesburg by joining Live at Five at Town Square Park (100 Main Street), from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The kick-off event will include live music by Sun Valley Station, food vendors, touch-a-truck opportunities for children and interaction with first responders from the Hattiesburg Police Department, Hattiesburg Fire Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office and elected officials from both the city and the county. 

The City’s neighborhood coordinator, Tonya Jordan, is working closely with community representatives and neighborhood associations to make sure the event is not only a collaborative celebration but that it meets the core mission of National Night Out – to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.

“This will be our third year joining Live at Five for our kick-off event, and we’re very excited to kick off the 40th Anniversary of this national program right here in Downtown Hattiesburg,” said Jordan. “With live music, great food and the opportunity to interact with our first responders – we invite everyone to join us for a great night at Town Square Park.”

National Night Out in Hattiesburg is an annual celebration of the community and its partnership with law enforcement and first responders – both essential to making all of Hattiesburg’s neighborhoods a safer, more caring place to live, work and play.

“Our city has participated in this national program for 33 years of its 40 in existence, and it just keeps getting better and better,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Community policing is a philosophy we believe in and this event elevates the opportunity to strengthen relationships between our first responders and our community.”

The kick-off for National Night Out serves as a precursor to neighborhood parties on Tuesday, October 3 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

All neighborhood associations interested in hosting a party on Oct. 3 can sign up and/or pick up party packets at the Live at Five event on Sept. 29. Neighborhood representatives can also sign up at https://bit.ly/nnohburg2023.

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