Northwest suburbs participate in National Night Out

More than a half-dozen Northwest suburbs held National Night Out celebrations Tuesday evening to build closer ties between public service personnel and the community.

The biggest event in the area, and one which has won national recognition, was in Bartlett, where three days of events culminated with a picnic in the park with events including face painting, a stilt walker, watermelon-eating contest, soccer, speed pitch, panning for gold, appearances by team mascots, the Division BMX Stunt Team, Skydogz, Mix 101.9-FM Road Crew and the Jesse White Tumblers.

National Night Out returned to Rolling Meadows after a nearly five-year hiatus.

Other suburbs holding events included Arlington Heights, Barrington, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Prospect Heights and Schaumburg.

The events were held to attract families and designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and generate support for local anti-crime programs.