Zachary Bamberger 7, of Hoffman Estates plays in a police car during the Hoffman Estates National Night Out at the police department headquarters Tuesday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
It started in 1984 as a way to bolster relations and break down barriers between cops and the communities they serve by urging residents to meet officers face to face in a friendly, stress-free environment.
Since then, National Night Out, held on the first Tuesday in August, has gone beyond that to encourage residents to get to know not only their men and women in blue but also their neighbors through events that include parades, block parties, cookouts and communitywide celebrations.
The idea is simple: Lock your doors, turn on your outside lights and spend a little time outdoors building relationships that can improve safety in your neighborhood.
Nearly 16,000 communities across the country celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday, according to the organization's website, including 202 in Illinois.
In Vernon Hills, activities included a sand volleyball tournament in Hartmann Park and a visit by the bookmobile.
In Bloomingdale, there were games and demonstrations in Circle Park and free swimming at the Oasis Water Park.
In Hoffman Estates, for example, families gathered at the police station to view antique police cars, view a police dog demonstration and tackle a climbing wall.
In Elgin, SWAT officers sat in a dunk tank in Festival Park to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois, kids played in inflatables and parents checked out food trucks.
Images: National Night Out in the suburbs
Ayden Khan, 4, of Hoffman Estates sports a police hat and sticker badges during the Hoffman Estates National Night Out at the police department headquarters Tuesday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
The Hoffman Estates Fire department gives ambulance tours during the Hoffman Estates National Night Out at the police department headquarters Tuesday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Kids dance as the Vernon Hills Police Department hosted its 24th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday at Hartmann Park.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
People line for food as the Vernon Hills Police Department hosted its 24th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday at Hartmann Park.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Niko Sotirovic, 7, of Vernon Hills runs through a sprinkler as The Vernon Hills Police Department hosted its 24th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday at Hartmann Park.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Ed Manke, director of communication for the Vernon Hills Police Department, cooks up some hot dogs.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Janniel Rosado, 8, of Elgin watches a stack of Jenga Giant boards fall at the National Night Out event at Festival Park in Elgin Tuesday. Behind him is his mother, Jazmin.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
Elgin police K-9 Colt jumps for his favorite toy as officer Chad Schuttrow demonstrates the dog's abilities at the National Night Out at Festival Park in Elgin Tuesday.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
Bloomingdale firefighter/paramedic David Miller plays catcher as Geovani Noriega, 8, of Carol Stream drives the whiffle ball during the National Night Out event at The Oasis & Circle Park in Bloomingdale on Tuesday.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com