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More Than 1,100 Community Members Join MCH for National Night Out 2026

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More Than 1,100 Community Members Join MCH for National Night Out 2026

More Than 1,100 Community Members Join MCH for National Night Out

Monadnock Community Hospital welcomed more than 1,100 community members to campus on August 4 for National Night Out, bringing local families together with police, fire, EMS and community organizations for an evening of connection, demonstrations and family activities.

National Night Out is celebrated in communities across the country as an opportunity for residents and first responders to connect in a positive, welcoming setting. This year’s MCH event grew into a busy three-hour celebration supported by 62 volunteers, 23 first responder agencies, six local nonprofit organizations and 10 sponsors.

Peterborough police officers stand with a K-9 beside a police cruiser as community members watch during National Night Out.

An Evening of Hands-On Fun

Throughout the evening, families explored police, fire and EMS vehicles during Touch-a-Truck, tried their luck at the Dunk-a-Cop tank, watched K-9 demonstrations and met local first responders. Kids also enjoyed face painting, lawn games and plenty of opportunities to get an up-close look at the people and equipment that help keep local communities safe.

A Jaws of Life demonstration gave attendees a closer look at the tools and teamwork firefighters use during vehicle rescues. Four K-9s also showed off their skills during demonstrations, and more than 250 stuffed animals found new homes during the event.

One of the evening’s most spirited moments came during the police department versus fire department donut-eating contest. After 68.5 donuts, the fire department came away with the win.

Behind the scenes, volunteers helped keep everything moving. Nearly 450 meals were sold, more than 950 dunk tank balls were thrown and roughly 150 faces were painted during the three-hour event. The evening also raised $2,690 to help support next year’s National Night Out.

National Night Out volunteers prepare food at an outdoor grill with fire trucks and a raised American flag in the background.

Thank You to Our Community

National Night Out is possible because so many people and organizations are willing to take part. MCH is grateful to the first responders, nonprofit organizations, sponsors, volunteers and community members who gave their time, resources and energy to the event.

More than the activities and impressive numbers, the evening created a chance for neighbors and first responders to spend time together, ask questions and build connections outside of an emergency.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s National Night Out such a memorable evening. We look forward to welcoming the community back next year.

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