KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene residents can get an inside look at city government while enjoying a free barbecue and family activities this evening during the city’s annual Community Night.

The event is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at 350 Marlboro St., the site of Keene Public Works, the Keene Police Department and Keene ICE.

The city is billing the event as an opportunity for residents to enjoy an evening of family fun while getting “first-hand insights” into the city and the people who provide its services.

A free barbecue will be served, with burgers and hot dogs available along with ice cream. Games and other activities will also be offered throughout the evening.

But the event is intended to be more than a summer cookout.

City staff from departments throughout municipal government will be available to talk with residents about their work and answer questions. Attendees can learn about current city projects, find out more about municipal services and speak directly with employees about issues or questions they may have.

The gathering also provides an opportunity for people interested in working for the city to learn about employment opportunities and talk with city staff about available positions.

By bringing representatives from multiple departments together outside of City Hall, the city hopes to create a more informal setting where residents can interact with municipal employees and learn more about the work taking place throughout Keene.

The event also gives residents an opportunity to meet some of the people behind the services they encounter in their daily lives, whether those services involve public works, public safety or other areas of city government.

Sensory-Friendly Hour

The city is also setting aside the first hour of Community Night as a sensory-friendly period.

From 4 to 5 p.m., the air will be removed from the air horns on city vehicles, meaning the vehicles will not produce the loud horn sounds that can be heard during a typical community event.

The city says the “sensory hour” is intended for people who have sensory concerns, but it is open to anyone who would prefer to attend during a quieter portion of the evening.

Families with children or others who may be sensitive to loud, unexpected sounds can use the 4-to-5 p.m. period as an opportunity to visit the event with fewer potential noise triggers.

After 5 p.m., the event will continue with the regular activities and city vehicles on display.

Parking Available Nearby

Residents attending Community Night will have several parking options in the area. Volunteers will be available to direct drivers to available spaces.

Parking will be available in the Keene Senior Center parking lot, the parking lot west of the turnaround in front of the Police Department and the parking lot beside the Public Works building.

The city encourages residents to follow the directions of parking volunteers when they arrive.