National Night Out activities planned for Lake County
Several Lake County communities will participate today in the 26th Annual National Night Out.
The event focuses on the prevention of crime and drug activity and is held the first Tuesday of August in the United States and Canada. It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponored by local police departments.
The program is designed to heighten community awareness; encourage participation in local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and partnerships with police; and send a message to criminals that the community is fighting back.
Following are events planned in Lake County:
• Fox Lake: Members of the Fox Lake Police Department will walk with residents. Chief Mike Behan will be walking at 7 p.m. in the Hickory Cove subdivision off Grass Lake Road.
• Hainesville: Police will be on hand to meet and greet residents from 7 to 9 p.m. at Union Square, just south of the Avon Township baseball field off Route 134. Snacks, refreshments and National Night Out literature will be provided. A flashlight walk is scheduled for dusk.
• Mundelein: A community picnic will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a flashlight walk scheduled for dusk. Both events are held at the Santa Maria Del Popolo grounds, 116 Lake St. A deejay, moon walk, dunk tank, pie and watermelon-eating contest, raffles and bingo are among the activities. A Child Identification Program will be offered for a small fee. Food is available for purchase.
• Near North Chicago: Great Lakes Naval Station police department and other agencies will host an event at 4 p.m. at the Forest City Welcome Center, Building 8100. The facility is near Green Bay Road and Route 137. McGruff the Crime Dog will greet visitors and encourage them to take a bite out of crime. Great Lakes police will fingerprint children, perform a military working dog demonstration and talk with residents.
• Round Lake: 5 to 8 p.m. at the police department facility at Town Line and Bacon roads. Activities include canine and police bicycle demonstrations. Balloons and safety handouts will be available for kids and a squad car will be on display. Food and refreshments will be provided.
• Round Lake Beach: A community event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the lakefront on the 900 block of Lake Shore Drive. A canine demonstration, face painting, live band and a car show are among the attractions. Free hot dogs, chips and water will be distributed to participants.
• Round Lake Park: A bike rodeo is the highlight of event, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Murphy School, 220 Greenwood Drive. A martial arts demonstration is scheduled for 7 p.m. and a canine show at 8 p.m. Snacks and watermelon will be served.
• Vernon Hills: A variety of family-friendly activities will be offered from 4 to 9 p.m. at Hartmann Park, Oakwood Road, just south of Route 45. Attractions include an inflatable playground, sand volley tournament, deejay, crafts, games and a barbecue.