By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

National Night Out in Geneseo is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work.

The 2023 National Night Out will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Geneseo City Park.

According to Jessica Damewood, administrative assistant at the Geneseo Police Department, Geneseo’s first National Night Out was organized by retired Police Officer Mike Gawrysiak in 1999.

“The Geneseo Police Department and the City of Geneseo are teaming up again this year for the fun family event,” Damewood said.

Some of the features visitors can expect at the Park on Aug. 1 are bounce houses provided by the Geneseo Park District, booths from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, the Unified Command Post from Rock Island County, Henry County Farm Bureau and Freedom House.

There will be face painting by Whimsy Pixie Paint and balloon animals from City Administrator Brandon Maeglin.

“We will also have food in the shelter and Sgt. Jamison Weisser and K-9 Kauzi will be doing a demonstration on the north side of the Park,” Damewood said.

There will be a display of vehicles from the Geneseo Ambulance and Fire Protection District and the Geneseo Police Department.

The raffle drawings will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and winners will be notified by phone.