South Elgin hosts week-long National Night Out activities
South Elgin's "largest block party" for National Night Out will be 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Jim Hansen Park, 338 Valley Forge Ave. There will be live music from Hillbilly Rockstarz at 6:05 p.m. and 7th heaven at 7:30 p.m. Touch-A-Truck emergency vehicles, family friendly activities and more. Students from the Music Education Center in South Elgin will perform the national anthem and the police department's honor guard will be there. Justin Roman of the Stylz & Roman radio show will emcee and Those Funny Little People with Officer Friendly and Officer Stern will make an appearance. For information, visit southelgin.com/nationalnightout.
This year, they have added an additional shuttle location from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Park at Fox Meadow, Willard or Corron elementary schools and catch a school bus. They will shuttle continuously between the school parking lot and the entrance to Jim Hansen Park.
The village also is hosting a week of activities before National Night Out.
From 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 at Jim Hansen Park, bring nonperishables for the South Elgin Food Pantry and school supplies for students in need. An Elgin Area School District U-46 school bus will be available to "stuff the bus" with supplies for local students. And while you're donating, consider giving blood as well. The Heartland Blood Mobile will be on hand. To reserve a time slot, visit www.southelgin.com/nationalnightout.
On Wednesday, July 31, the South Elgin Police in conjunction with The Village Pedaler will provide a bicycle safety and bike rodeo course from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jim Hansen Park. The event is free to the community.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, join a Dog Walker Watch, Anderson Adopt-a-Pet, Pet Parade and K-9 Dog Demonstration from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jim Hansen Park. Engaging dog walkers to keep an eye open for suspicious activity is a new aspect of National Night Out's countrywide efforts. Learn more about the new Dog Walker Watch program. And while there, visit the Anderson Animal Shelter booth and learn more about their MVP program , a 50 percent animal adoption discount for military veterans and other benefits. Children will enjoy spending time in Anderson's adoptable puppy play area as well. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., a patriotic or law-enforcement-themed pet parade kicks off at the Jim Hansen pavilion. Residents are encouraged to bring their costumed-pups for a small loop around the interior of the park. Along with food and music, South Elgin Police will provide a K-9 dog demonstration too.
On Friday, Aug. 2, enjoy a free movie "Sherlock Gnomes" under the stars at Jim Hansen Park. Concessions open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, the "Bring'n' the Thunder Car Show" will be 5 to 8 p.m. at Thornwood Sports Core, 850 E. Thornwood Way. It's the third annual car show with cars of every vintage, a law enforcement vehicle display, concessions provided by Village Tavern and proceeds benefiting the Too Good For Drugs school program.