National Night Out events getting 'bigger and better'
After more than two decades, the idea is still gaining momentum.
Scores of neighborhoods in dozens of DuPage County communities will celebrate the 26th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, continuing a tradition of teaming local residents with police to help prevent crime and drug abuse.
Celebrations of this voluntary event, which happens in about 15,000 communities nationwide, vary by town. Most will have police and fire demonstrations, many will have food, games and prizes, and a few will host full-blown block parties.
But what unites organizers is their constant efforts to recruit more residents to their cause. And that means making every National Night Out a little more fun each year.
"We're always really trying to get bigger and better," said Eileen Schultz, administrative assistant for the Wood Dale Police Department.
In Itasca, the police department traditionally plans a full slate of activities, including self-defense demonstrations, swimming and games, U.S. Army exhibits and child ID kits. But in recent years the department has expanded the celebration to include a preview event the day before, the Tour de Itasca, where many teens and adolescents join Chief Scott Heher on a bike ride around the village.
"Police departments are trying to reach out for that very last person," said Itasca Deputy Chief Bob O'Connor. "It's always about trying to come up with some fresh ideas while staying focused on the original mission statement. Residents play a vital role as our eyes and ears, so more participants help show crime will not be tolerated."
Other suburbs are adding new events for the first time this year. In Roselle, the park district is joining National Night Out by hosting a rubber duck race fundraiser. Winfield is recruiting civic groups, businesses and neighborhood organizations to formally join in. New this year in Bloomingdale, the police will staff a Dunk a Cop game to raise money for Illinois Special Olympics. And in Wood Dale, residents who participate are asked to bring a food donation for the city's food pantry because, Schultz said, its demand has recently quadrupled.
Of course, it also doesn't hurt that suburbs can win awards for producing an outstanding National Night Out. Each year, the National Association of Town Watch bestows honors in several categories to towns that play an active role in National Night Out.
While Schultz said that might provide some motivation for local police departments, the fun really lies within the interaction between each community and its rescue workers.
"The cool thing about it is it shows kids the police don't just write Mom and Dad tickets," she said. "They learn that if you need help or have a problem, they are real people and you can come to us."
<p class="factboxheadblack">National Night Out events</p> <p class="News"><b>Addison:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. east of village hall, 1 Friendship Plaza. Events are in conjunction with the eighth annual "Addison by the Slice" pizza bake-off and includes live music. Info: addisonadvantage.org.</p> <p class="News"><b>Aurora:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. in neighborhoods throughout Aurora. Citizens can meet their neighbors, local police officers and city staff members at these events, which range from small gatherings to large neighborhood block parties with entertainment. Info: Tina Bohman at (630) 264-8101.</p> <p class="News"><b>Bloomingdale:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Park District, 172 S. Circle Ave. Free food from 6 to 7:30 p.m., games, prizes and giveaways. The pool is open to all attending the event. Info: villageofbloomingdale.org.</p> <p class="News"><b>Carol Stream:</b> 6 p.m. to dusk in Community Park, between Gunderson and Thornhill drives off Schmale Road. A community barbecue is sponsored by the Outreach Community Center and the police department. Info: (630) 668-2167. </p> <p class="News"><b>Glendale Heights:</b> 6 to 8 p.m. at Camera Park, Fullerton Avenue and Bloomingdale Road. Includes K-9 demonstrations, emergency apparatus demonstration, a police dunk tank, McGruff the Crime Dog, giveaways and food. Info: Sgt. Sherry Baley at (630) 909-9445 or the Glendale Heights police department at (630) 260-6070.</p> <p class="News"><b>Itasca: </b>5 to 9 p.m. at the municipal complex, 550 W. Irving Park Road. Includes DuPage County Sheriff's Office representatives, live music, food, vehicle displays and Fight Like a Girl demonstrations at 6 p.m. Info: itascapolice.com.</p> <p class="News"><b>Naperville:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. Neighborhoods host their own events, such as block parties and ice cream socials. Info: (630) 420-6043 or visit naperville.il.us.</p> <p class="News"><b>Roselle:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. in Turner Park, Roselle Road and Devon Avenue. Includes live music, crime and fire prevention booths, police, fire and public works vehicles on display, a family bike ride around Turner Pond, charity duck race, a bike decorating contest, and other games and activities. Info: (630) 671-4060 or visit roselle.il.us.</p> <p class="News"><b>Villa Park:</b> Various neighborhood watch groups will be gathering around the village for parades, games and cookouts. Info: (630) 834-7447 or invillapark.com.</p> <p class="News"><b>West Chicago:</b> 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. Includes DuPage County Sheriff's Office representatives, displays, vehicles, demonstrations, and meet-and-greet with Dora the Explorer, Elmo and McGruff the Crime Prevention Dog. The West Chicago Lions Club will serve hot dogs and local businesses will pass out free samples. Info: (630) 293-2222. </p> <p class="News"><b>Winfield:</b> 6 to 8 p.m. at Founders Park Charles R. Beggs Activity Center, 0N020 County Farm Road. The Winfield Police Department's crime prevention and DuPage County Crime Stoppers will promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity and talk about crime prevention. Info: (630) 484-3491.</p> <p class="News"><b>Wood Dale:</b> 5 to 9 p.m. behind city hall, 404 N. Wood Dale Road. Includes bingo, balloon artists, children's games with a DJ, K-9 demonstration, food, free pool admission and a pool coin toss, raffle for prizes like an iPod and restaurant gift certificates. Info: (630) 766-2060. </p>