Performances, Soccer and Community Take Center Stage at Plainfield National Night Out

On Tuesday evening, August 5, 2026, Plainfield held its annual celebration of National Night Out—a nationwide event designed to strengthen the connection between law enforcement and residents. The evening brought together community members, children's groups, youth soccer leagues, senior performers, and city leadership for a gathering that reflected Plainfield's commitment to community and public safety.

Union County Life covers Plainfield community events and civic celebrations across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Plainfield Police Director James Abney kicked off the night and served as emcee throughout the celebration. After an opening prayer and a rendition of the national anthem by Barry Goode, Abney introduced several children's groups that performed for those gathered.

Abney addressed the community about a storm that came through Plainfield on July 3, 2026, which had forced cancellation of the city's annual parade. "So many children who were marching the parade weren't given the opportunity to march because the parade was canceled for safety reasons," Abney said. "We decided that we are going to have a parade line for those children to march down here in front of City Hall." The decision reflected how Plainfield uses its community events to ensure no one is left out—even when circumstances force changes to plans.

The Queen City Mentoring Academy and the Plainfield Vikings performed for the crowd. The evening also featured the Senior Line Dancers and the local 40+ Double Dutch Club, celebrating talent and energy across generations.

Plainfield also recognized the city's youth soccer leagues, a significant focus of Mayor Adrian Mapp's summer outreach. Mayor Mapp announced that the city had acquired 200 soccer balls through relationships he and other mayors forged with FIFA during the summer. "Acknowledging soccer as the number one sport in the world," Mayor Mapp said he would distribute the 200 balls to the four youth soccer leagues playing in Plainfield.

Walter Ramos of Plainfield Soccer Club Kid Stars thanked the City of Plainfield for its support and gave special recognition to the Division of Parks and Recreation. "You guys do a wonderful job," Ramos said, "and a very special shout out to the Division of Parks and Recreation. They do a hell of a job here."

Police Director Abney presented an award to Lieutenant Nash of the Plainfield Police Department. "Your professionalism, innovation, equality, dedication and justice have made a lasting impact on the city of Plainfield," Abney said. "Your commitment to excellence as far as confidence, earns respect, and reflects the very best of law enforcement."

The evening's emotional center came with Mayor Mapp's main speech, which focused on Edwin López Cornejo, a Plainfield man who died in ICE custody on August 1, 2026. Mapp spoke broadly about the national political climate and its local impact. "His only crime was that he was an immigrant in these United States. Nothing else," Mayor Mapp said. "He was just there to make a better life for himself and his family. And because of what is happening in the White House extended all across our cities. This man lost his life. His family is without his mother, without his son, kids are without a father."

The evening also included remarks from Council President Julienne Cherry and Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams.

National Night Out in Plainfield carries particular significance because of its history. The event was started by former Councilwoman Elizabeth Urquhart in 1988, when it included a march, and has been held every year since except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That 38-year tradition means Plainfield's National Night Out is not just an event—it is part of the city's civic identity, a moment when the community gathers together intentionally.

Find more Plainfield community events, civic celebrations, and public safety news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Did Plainfield hold National Night Out in 2026?
A: Yes. Plainfield held its annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, bringing together community members, youth groups, and city leadership to strengthen police-community partnerships.

Q: How long has Plainfield been holding National Night Out?
A: Plainfield's National Night Out was started in 1988 by former Councilwoman Elizabeth Urquhart and has been held annually except for 2020 (due to COVID-19). This 38-year tradition makes it part of Plainfield's civic identity.

Q: Which youth groups performed at the event?
A: The Queen City Mentoring Academy and the Plainfield Vikings performed. The Senior Line Dancers and 40+ Double Dutch Club also performed, celebrating talent across age groups.

Q: Did Plainfield recognize youth soccer?
A: Yes. Mayor Mapp announced the city acquired 200 FIFA soccer balls through relationships with FIFA and distributed them to the four youth soccer leagues playing in Plainfield.

Q: Who won the police award?
A: Police Director James Abney presented an award to Lieutenant Nash of the Plainfield Police Department for professionalism, innovation, equality, dedication, and justice.

Q: What was the parade line mentioned?
A: A July 3 storm canceled Plainfield's annual parade. At National Night Out, the city held a parade line allowing children who missed the original parade to march in front of City Hall.

Q: Who gave the main speech at the event?
A: Mayor Adrian Mapp gave the main speech, which focused on Edwin López Cornejo, a Plainfield resident who died in ICE custody on August 1, 2026.

Q: What was the purpose of National Night Out?
A: National Night Out is a nationwide campaign designed to strengthen connections between law enforcement and residents and build community partnerships around public safety.