Bringing Neighbors Together: Indigo Ranch National Night Out
For over a decade, Indigo Ranch, a small neighborhood in Colorado Springs, has been bringing its community closer through its annual National Night Out event. This year marked the 13th consecutive year of this cherished gathering, which was a testament to the dedication of community organizers and the involvement of neighbors. With the help of CONO’s Neighborhood Gathering toolkit, the event came together seamlessly, inspiring others looking to host their gatherings.
A Night of Fun, Family, and Friendly Competition
The theme for this year’s National Night Out revolved around family-friendly TV game shows, adapted for all ages. Activities were thoughtfully designed to engage participants and bring out their competitive spirit. The highlight of the event was a custom obstacle course for kids, featuring stations where participants could earn points by completing tasks ranging from Minute-to-Win-It games to exercise challenges and classic carnival-style games like bean bag tosses. This was the second year in a row the obstacle course was included, and it proved to be a hit, allowing children to earn prizes while having fun.
To kick off the event, the neighborhood held a special kids’ parade to honor both their military neighbors and a former Block Captain who passed away from cancer, a heartfelt tradition that has continued since the event’s inception. Along with the parade, local businesses were invited to set up booths, creating opportunities for families to connect with vendors, support local commerce, and get to know the services available in their community. A clever twist added to the event was the “Meet the Vendor” card, where families collected stamps by visiting vendors. These stamps could then be exchanged for free premium drawing tickets, encouraging engagement and support for local businesses.
The Power of Community Connection
The event was not just about fun—it also served as a vital opportunity for neighbors to bond and make meaningful connections. "I’ve seen new neighbors find others living on the same street or with kids of the same age, and they’ve become good friends," said the organizer. This sense of community fostered through events like National Night Out, highlights the importance of neighborhood gatherings in building lasting relationships.
Lessons Learned and Shared
While organizing the event, the neighborhood’s Block Captain learned valuable lessons about teamwork and flexibility. After years of handling the planning alone, they experimented with new ideas suggested by newer board members, but not all changes were successful. In the end, the key takeaway was that simplicity and experience often lead to the best outcomes. Having a co-chair instead of a full committee helped streamline the process, and sticking with proven methods allowed for a smoother event.
Funding the Fun
As a nonprofit neighborhood watch group, this community has a unique ability to connect with local businesses and request donations for events. This year’s National Night Out also included a fundraiser to support future gatherings and other nonprofits like Toys for Tots, Reclaiming Hope, and Care & Share.
CONO's Role in the Event’s Success
CONO played an essential role in supporting the event by providing barriers and assisting with city permits, ensuring that the National Night Out ran smoothly and safely. The organizer emphasized that CONO’s Neighborhood Gathering toolkit, which includes resources like barricade rentals and event planning support, made the entire process more manageable.
Why Neighborhood Gatherings Matter
For anyone considering hosting a Neighborhood Gathering, this year’s National Night Out serves as a shining example of what’s possible. With careful planning, community involvement, and the right support, neighbors can come together to create lasting memories and stronger bonds.
Interested in hosting a gathering? CONO’s Neighborhood Gathering toolkits offer everything you need, including free resources, $5 barricade and table rentals, and expert event planning guidance.
