Fifteen locations across the city played host to neighbors, civic leaders, police and other first responders on National Night Out Tuesday.

National Night Out is one evening set aside for entire neighborhoods to come together to celebrate community and build, or even re-build, bridges between those in uniform and the people they serve.

In Springfield the Park District opened its facilities for the celebrations to happen. Many of the sites featured free hot dogs, popcorn, face painting, and suds machines. Two sites, the Kerasotes Y and the Springfield Art Association hosted a free movie, Lightyear and Wakanda Forever respectively.

Mayor Buscher and many aldermen were out, making the rounds, as were many members of Springfield Police and Fire. Many first responder vehicles were on display as well.

Even Pepper, the Black and White Bulldog, made an appearance to the delight of many of the children. Pepper belongs to Deputy Chief Dodd.