Just say no to crime with National Night Out

Many Northwest suburban residents will gather on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for cookouts, festivities and law enforcement educational events as part of National Night Out.

But in Bartlett, whose National Night Out program is recognized as one of the best in the U.S., the event is actually a multiday, multipronged affair that starts tonight.

Billed as a way to "give crime a going away party," the aim of the National Night Out movement is to strengthen neighborhood and police relations, general support and awareness for local anti-crime programs and a message to criminal that neighborhoods are fighting back.

How the event is observed ranges from Bartlett's major festival to more modest neighborhood get-togethers to communities that simply encourage residents to organize flashlight walks or turn their outdoor lights on and enjoy an evening on their porches.

The Arlington Heights National Night Out manages to pack a powerful message within the framework of the traditional picnic in the park with games, food and music.

There is definitely much fun to be had. But there are some lessons to be taught as well.

"Some villages will do (something) like a festival. We put more of an educational spin on ours," said Arlington Heights police Crime Prevention Officer Doug Hajek.

The Arlington Heights Park District echoes that sentiment.

"Crime prevention, drug awareness and strengthening the neighborhood spirit and community relations are near and dear to our hearts," said Shannon Ridgeway, superintendent of marketing and communications for the park district.

Hajek said all the police department's bureaus will be there - the traffic bureau, forensic technicians, crime prevention, the bicycle units and school resource officers as well as Northwest Central Dispatch.

"We try to represent as much of law enforcement and safety organizations as we can and then make it interactive," he said.

National Night Out

This year's Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 4, though Bartlett's kicks off today. Events can be registered at nationalnightout.org, and many communities offer support. Contact local police. Here's some of what's planned:

Arlington Heights: Local park district, police and fire departments and Northwest Community Healthcare sponsor picnic at North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Includes free Popsicles, balloons, popcorn, water and soda; giveaways; balloon sculptors; business expo; games; DJ; appearances by agencies including Secret Service, Cook County Sheriff's Bomb Squad and the sheriff's canine and crime prevention unit; fire safety and rescue demos; CHIP ID program for children; Too Good for Drugs program.

Barrington: 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Citizens Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road. Free crime and drug prevention event sponsored by National Town Watch with Target, Barrington police and Harris Bank. Includes giveaways; safety information; concert by The Runaways at 7 p.m.; child ID badges and fingerprinting; K-9 search and rescue and female self-defense demos; ADT Alarm Detection; Illinois State Police; Operation Life Saver; FEMA Trailer; Radio Disney; Score! Education Centers.

Bartlett: Today: Kickoff concert with The Saturday June Band at 7 p.m., Bartlett Park. Friday, July 31: Family Tailgate with police at 6 p.m. at Park District-Jensen Pavilion, with free food while supplies last; music, games, family activities; followed by flashlight walk with free glow sticks to Bartlett Aquatic Center for pool party. Saturday, Aug. 1: Video game competition for kids 9 and up at Bartlett Park District, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; block party/lighting competitions 3-10 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 4: Bicycle Rodeo/Bike Path with Mayor Mike Kelly beginning at Bartlett Community Center at 4:30 p.m. and ending at Bartlett Park for Picnic in the Park at about 5 p.m. Includes family games; obstacle courses; soccer skills exhibit; face-painting; appearances by McGruff, Chicago Blackhawks mascot, Chicago Wolves mascot, the Division Bicycle Stunt Team, Hyper Dogs, Jesse White Tumblers, Division Bicycle Stunt Team, Hyper Dogs, WTMX 101.9 FM Road Crew, Chicago Fire Soccer Team's FIRE Express; free hot dogs; giveaways; area business displays; pie-eating contests; military drill team performance; public service vehicles display; karate demos; live performances; tributes to local citizen and business "star award" winners and block party/lighting competition winners. Info: Officer Victoria Anderson, (630) 837-0846.

Buffalo Grove: Starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Willow Stream Park South, 651 Old Checker Road. Police and fire department personnel, equipment and demos; games; business expo.

Hoffman Estates: Police encourage residents to organize inexpensive, fun events like cookouts or flashlight walks that promote neighborhood spirit and safer streets. If you're planning an event, contact officer Tony Caceres at (847) 781-2880.

Maine Township: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dee Park, Dee Road and Emerson Street. Includes emergency vehicles display; Cook County sheriff's helicopter, horses and trained police dogs; games; prizes; raffles; informational tables. Followed by flashlight walk through neighborhood led by Cook County sheriff's police. Also sponsored by Maine Township Neighborhood Watch, Golf-Maine Park District, North Maine Fire Department and community businesses.

Is your event missing from this list? E-mail the info to dwallace@dailyherald.com.