Bartlett celebrates National Night Out in a big way

Bartlett has planned three days of events for the village’s 18th annual National Night Out celebration.

The events run from 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 29; continue with block parties 3-10 p.m. Saturday, July 30; and conclude 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.

National Night Out is a nationwide crime and drug prevention initiative sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

More information is at village.bartlett.il.us/police/nno.html or contact Officer Mireya Flores or Officer Tom Alagna in the Bartlett Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (630) 837-0846.

Here’s a schedule of free activities:

Ÿ Twilight Skate Park Bash

Kids and teens are invited to skate at the Bartlett Skate Park, 620 W. Stearns Road, from 6-10 p.m. Friday while listening to music and interacting with police officers, fire fighters and representatives from different branches of the military. At the adjacent Jim Jensen Pavilion from 6-8 p.m., people can ride CN’s Little Obie Train, construct build-a-kits from Home Depot and play games with members of the police department. Nicodino’s Pizza Company & Cafe will provide a limited amount of free food and beverages. Sponsors are the Bartlett Police Department, Yeah! Boardshop, Bartlett Park District and the Bartlett Fire Protection District.

Ÿ Pool Party

Bartlett police will be serving root beer floats at a pool party 8-10 p.m. Friday at the Bartlett Aquatic Center, 620 W. Stearns Road.

Ÿ Block Party/Lighting Competitions

Members of the Bartlett Police Department and Bartlett Fire Protection District will visit Saturday’s neighborhood block parties to pick winners for the best lighted neighborhood, best overall participation, best theme, and best spirit to be presented at Tuesday’s Picnic in the Park.

Ÿ Bicycle Check/Bike Ride with the Village President

From 4-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, there’s a Bicycle ABC Safety Check sponsored by Spin Doctor Cyclewerks in the Jensen Pavilion parking lot. It’s followed bicycle ride with Mayor Michael Kelly from the pavilion, 620 W. Stearns Road, to the Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues. A secured bicycle corral will be provided by Boy Scout Troop 99.

Ÿ Picnic in the Park

The event from 5-9 p.m. at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, will include a variety of family activities, free hot dogs, giveaways, area business displays and a watermelon-eating contest. There will be appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Wolves and Chicago Fire Mascots, the Division Bicycle Stunt Team, Hyperdogs and the Jesse White Tumblers. The presentation of The Business Star Award, Citizen Star Awards and the block party/lighting competition winners is at the end of the evening. Here is the itinerary:

5- 8 p.m.: Bicycle Corral

5- 5:15 p.m.: National Anthem/Opening Remarks from Village President Kelly

5:15-5:30 p.m.: Master Ko Karate Demonstration

5:30-6 p.m.: Hyperdogs Performance Preview

6-6:30 p.m.: Jesse White Tumbling Team Performance

6:30-7 p.m.: Division BMX Stunt Team Performance

7-7:30 p.m.: Hyperdogs Performance

7-7:30 p.m.: The Benny the Bull Experience

7:30-8 p.m.: Division BMX Stunt Team Performance

8-8:30 p.m.: Community Awards Presentation