The City of Riverside will host its annual community celebration, Heroes in the Park (formerly known as National Night Out), on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at E.H. Young Riverfront Park, 1001 NW Argosy Parkway.
This year’s event marks an expansion of the long-standing tradition, bringing together Riverside families with local police officers, firefighters, and community partners for an afternoon centered on connection and community pride.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a K-9 demonstration, up-close looks at police and fire vehicles, a petting zoo, face painting, local vendor booths, food trucks, and a raffle with prizes donated by area businesses and organizations, including tickets to an upcoming show at Riverside’s new Morton Amphitheater.
The first 200 children to arrive will receive a free superhero cape featuring the Heroes in the Park logo, and the first 50 will also receive a FIFA soccer ball, gifted to Riverside as a host city for the Netherlands National Team during this year’s tournament. Attendees can also expect to see the Kansas City Police Department’s helicopter on-site, along with an appearance from Kansas City Royals mascot Sluggerrr, giving families the chance to meet him and take photos.
“Heroes in the Park is about bringing Riverside together,” said Brandon Wilcox, Detective Sergeant with the Riverside Police Department. “By connecting our first responders with the people and families they serve, we’re building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating the kind of community where people know one another, support one another, and are proud to be a part of the Riverside community.”
Confirmed participants include the Riverside Police and Fire Departments, Missouri Search & Rescue K9, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Riverside SWAT and CSI, River Roll Skate, and Special Olympics. Red X will also be on-site with a tent. The event is free and open to the public.