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Lake County communities plan National Night Out events

Several Lake County communities will be among thousands nationwide participating in National Night Out’s 28th event to raise awareness about crime and drug prevention.

Antioch, Fox Lake, Mundelein, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach and Vernon Hills are scheduled to host activities Tuesday, Aug. 2, to demonstrate their support for anti-crime efforts, improving police and neighborhood partnerships, and promoting a message to criminals of fighting back.

A multitude of special events, including free food, demonstrations, music, booths, visits from police, youth activities and more will offer residents a good learning experience and a ton of fun.

Antioch

Antioch’s National Night Out, the first village-sponsored event that stems from an initiative by the village and police department, is scheduled from 7-10 p.m. at the Band Shell, 900 Skidmore Drive.

“This is our first big effort for neighborhood watch. We have always had a form of neighborhood watch, but not to this magnitude with more and more of the community involvement,” Mayor Larry Hanson said.

The event will include Antioch Neighborhood Watch representatives, crime prevention tips, DNA identification kits for parents, police K9 demonstration, domestic violence unit representatives, Antioch Police Explorers Recruitment, defense tactics for women, hands-on fire truck and hands-on police unit. A bounce house for kids, refreshments and food will also be provided.

For details, call the Antioch Police Department at (847) 395-8585.

Fox Lake

Fox Lake will host its National Night Out walk at 7 p.m.

Police Chief Mike Behan said residents will join with police officers to march through the Lippencott Drive neighborhood. The march will start at Grant High School on Grand Avenue, head across the street to Rushmore Road, travel over to Lippincott Lane, and then head back up Lippencott Road.

Marchers will also walk on Tweed Road, Orchard Place, Lake Avenue, Fern Place and Poplar Avenue. People living in those areas are urged to turn on their porch light.

For details, call the Fox Lake Police Department at (847)-587-3100.

Mundelein

The Mundelein Police Department invites residents to participate in the “Take Back the Night Against Crime” event starting at 7:30 p.m.

The event will feature a flashlight walk at Santa Maria del Popolo, corner of Seymour and Courtland; an obstacle course slide; mini slide; D.J. music; games; a face painter; and clowns. Cotton candy and popcorn will also be available.

Mundelein Target is assisting the village with this event. For details, call the Mundelein Police Department at (847)-968-4600.

Round Lake

The village of Round Lake’s National Night Out Against Crime event will be at the police and public works facility, 741 W. Townline Road, from 5-7 p.m. There will be a family movie, free hot dogs, popcorn, police dog demonstrations, a classic car and hot red cruise and a puppet show. For details, call the Round Lake Police Department at (847) 546-8112.

Round Lake Beach

Round Lake Beach has one of the larger Night Out gatherings, with about 2,000 visitors in 2010.

This year’s event runs 6-8 p.m. at Lakefront Park, 900 Lake Shore Drive, about a half mile south of Rollins Road. Visitors will receive free hot dogs, chips and water. There also will be a K-9 demonstration, a Taser demonstration, face-painting for kids and a live band (the Barstool Soldiers). WRLR-FM will broadcast live and local businesses will man booths.

For details, call the Round Lake Beach Police Department at (847)-546-2127.

Vernon Hills

The Vernon Hills Police Department invites residents to participate in the National Night Out event from 4-8 p.m. at the north end of Century Park (the sled hill). Admission is free.

The event includes food, live music from A-Z Entertainment, jumping fun, games, and more. A sand volleyball tournament will be held and the police department is looking for two more six-person teams to participate. Interested residents can register by July 27 (first-come, first-play).

Visitors can also enjoy a warming station/park house, cricket pitch, boccie ball court, baggo area and horseshoe pits. Residents are encouraged to walk to the park since parking is limited.

For details, contact officer Sharon Joseph at sjoseph@vhills.org or (847)-247-4889.

Ÿ Daily Herald staff writers Samantha Bilharz, Lee Filas, Mick Zawislak and Bob Susnjara contributed to this report.

  Last year’s Round Lake Beach National Night Out event included food and festivities. STEVE LUNDY/slundy@dailyherald.com, 2010
  Last year’s Round Lake Beach National Night Out event included food and festivities. STEVE LUNDY/slundy@dailyherald.com, 2010