National Night Out 2012 will be observed Tuesday, August 7th, in communities across the country. People are being encouraged to hold block parties that include visits from local police, to foster improved neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
National Night Out was created in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, whose motto is “building safer and better neighborhoods through community involvement.” The event is designed to raise awareness of crime and drug prevention and generate support for neighborhood and police anti-crime programs, by bringing people together with their neighbors and their local police officers in a non-threatening, positive environment.
A number of communities are also holding larger celebrations. A partial list for the area includes:
DeKalb/Sycamore: 3-7 p.m. in the DeKalb Target parking lot – members of the DeKalb Police Department, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, the Sycamore Police Department, the NIU Police Department, and the DeKalb Fire Department will be on hand; the event includes martial arts and K9 demonstrations, kids’ games and food.
Rockford: 5-9 p.m. in Churchill Park - Rockford Police Department partners with Keith Creek Neighborhood Association to host a city-wide, family friendly event. Local elected and appointed officials will be joined by members of the Rockford Police and Fire Departments, the Rockford Park District, Neighborhood Network and a league of volunteers. Activities include K-9 and Bomb Squad robot demonstrations, food and refreshments, contests, giveaways and live music.
Beloit, WI: 5:30-8:30 p.m. on North Street between 9th and 10th streets – Beloit police officers, city officials and fire officials host a kick-off event open to the public. The party includes food, trivia, a mobile DJ and a raffle. The profits will go toward Project 16:49.
McHenry County: 5:30-8 p.m.at Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake. McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and the Wonder Lake Fire Departments are teaming up for the event. All communities of McHenry County are invited to stop by for complimentary food and beverages and ongoing activities. There will be booths for Child Passenger Safety Information and Project S.W.E.E.P., police and fire equipment on display, and extrication, precision motorcycle riding and K-9 demonstrations.
Ottawa: 6-9 p.m. at Riordan Pool - The Illinois Valley Anti-Drug Coalition and the Ottawa Crimestoppers sponsor the city's event. Nugget, an Ottawa Police Department police dog, will be hand as well as members of the National Guard. Child fingerprinting services will be offered. The Fire Safety House, a mobile educational tool offering hands-on exercises about how to exit a burning building for children and adults, will be on site. Free food and gift bags will be available.
Yorkville: 6-8 p.m. Town Square Park - hosted by the Yorkville Police Department, games, demonstrations, music and food are planned.
Spring Valley: 5-8:30 p.m. in Kirby Park – includes free swim 5-7 pm at Edward P. Coventry Pool, food, K9 Team Demonstration, and child safety seat checks. Spring Valley Fire Department and 10/33 Ambulance, Illinois State Police and Crimestoppers will be present. La Salle Fire Department will bring the “smoke house” for children to learn how to safely respond during a house fire.
Sterling: 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Douglas, Wallace, Propheter and Lincoln Parks - community meetings will be held at each park. Various activities and refreshments are planned.
Aurora: 6-8 p.m. at Georgetown School, 995 Long Grove Drive on the city’s Far East Side - the Georgetown Relief Efforts Neighborhood Organization hosts the event. The entire city is invited to enjoy live music, free food, a magic show and raffle.
More information about National Night Out can be found at http://www.natw.org/nno/
