Maine Township announces National Night Out Against Crime theme

"Crime ... Report It, Don't Support It" has been announced as the theme of Maine Township's National Night Out Against Crime by township Clerk Peter Gialamas.

Scheduled for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Dee Park, 9229 Emerson, in unincorporated Maine Township, the local event will once again feature a poster contest based on this year's theme.

The poster contest is open to grammar school-age children who live in or attend school in Maine Township. Deadline for poster entries is Friday, July 12.

Winners of the poster contest will be announced Aug. 6 at this year's event.

"All residents are invited to this community building event," said Gialamas. "While it is designed to promote family fun and neighborhood unity, National Night Out Against Crime also educates residents on crime prevention and safety."

One of the oldest celebrations of the National Night Out Against Crime, which was introduced nationally in 1984, the local event is sponsored by Maine Township, Neighborhood Watch, Cook County Sheriff's Police, Golf Maine Park District and other community businesses.

National Night Out is called America's Night Out Against Crime and has grown from 2.5 million participants in its first year to more than 30 million in 10,000-plus communities and in unincorporated areas such as Maine Township.

Other highlights that evening will include a bounce house, games for kids with prizes, face painting and a balloon artist.

Local talent interested in performing at the event, as well as residents and businesses who wish to volunteer or donate prizes, should contact Gialamas at petegialamas@yahoo.com or call (847) 297-2510.