DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Young artists in Decatur will have a chance to see their design featured on a free t-shirt for the 2026 National Night Out campaign.
This year, the Decatur Police Department is partnering with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation to launch the 2026 National Night Out t-shirt design contest.
Artists 18 and younger are invited to create a design that reflects this year's theme of "Stronger, Safer Together."
"We want to see artwork that captures the people, partnerships and community spirit that make Decatur a great place to live," DPD said in a Facebook post.
The winning design will be featured on the official 2026 National Night Out t-shirt, which will be given out for free to event attendees in August.
What is National Night Out?
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign promoting positive relationships between communities and police departments, according to the organization's website.
NNO was introduced in 1984, with the first annual event involving 2.5 million people across 400 communities in 23 states.
Now, 167 communities in Illinois alone participate in the event, according to the NNO website.
Submission Requirements
To enter, artists must be 18 or younger and live within the city of Decatur or attend a Decatur school.
Artwork can be hand-drawn, painted, colored, digitally designed or created using AI tools.
Judges will pick a winner based on connection to the "Stronger, Safer Together" theme, creativity, originality and visual appeal.
The flyer below has more information on artwork requirements and judging criteria.
How to Enter
Designs can be submitted by emailing decaturnno@decaturil.gov or by dropping off artwork in person to the Decatur Police Department.
The submission deadline is Friday, July 10.
Event Information
The Decatur Police Department's 2026 National Night Out celebration will be on Tuesday, August 4 at 5 p.m.
It will be held at Dansby Park, formerly Oak Grove Park, at 2230 West Center Street.
The event is free and will feature food, games, activities, community resources and public safety demonstrations. The department will also recognize the winner of the t-shirt design contest.
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