Area communities plan National Night Out events 

By Bob Bong

Several area communities are making plans to celebrate the National Night Out Against Crime next Tuesday.

Thousands of communities in the United States and around the world celebrate as people are asked to turn on outside lights and join first responders to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.

National Night Out was started in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide group that promotes community-based crime prevention activities.

BRIDGEVIEW 

Bridgeview has another busy evening planned for this year’s National Night Out, set for 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2.

Joshua Duncan gets dunked at the National Night Out event last year at Altman Park in Worth. (Photo by Joe Boyle)

“Every year, National Night Out has gotten bigger,” said Police Chief Ricardo Mancha.

“In Bridgeview, the police department, fire department and public works are all there, so residents get a chance to see how the village works,” he said.

There will be squad car rides offered, fire engine rides, touch-a-truck, tours of village hall, the police station and fire station, police dunk tank, and free hot dogs.

Public Works will provide a splash area for anyone who wants to cool off in a “water main break.”

Parking will be available behind Mama Luigi’s restaurant.

For information, call 708-594-2525.

BROOKFIELD 

Brookfield’s Chamber of Commerce will help coordinate this year’s National Night Out from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Ehlert Park, Gerritsen and Park avenues.

The event hopes to bring the Brookfield community together to show appreciation of the Brookfield Police and Fire departments and first responders.

Officers and firefighters will be in a dunk tank, there will be entertainment, games, food and drink. The chamber will have giveaways along with a ticket for a free hotdog at the park concession stand.

BURBANK

Burbank police will host National Night Out events from 4-7 p.m. at the police station, 5650 W. 75^th Place. A bonfire will continue until 9:30 p.m. at the adjacent Rice Park.

Events will include dunk a cop, bounce houses, face painting, and food vendors. There will be a crime scene demonstration along with tours of the detention facility. Visitors will be able to see exotic cars, emergency vehicles, and a police recruitment station. Children will be able to be fingerprinted and to receive ID kits.

HICKORY HILLS 

The Hickory Hills Park District will hold its National Night Out Summer Concert from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Kasey Meadow Park, 8047 W. 91^st Place.

The Neverly Brothers will perform. Their concerts are a tribute to one of the most exciting chapters in music history: the birth, near death and resurrection of rock n’ roll. With their one-of-a-kind, high-energy stage performance, you’ll be led on a guided tour of rock history — complete with vintage wardrobe changes and stories behind their chronological song sequence — as they perform hits by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, and Rolling Stones.

Registration is required to attend and reserve your spot. $3 fee to reserve your spot. Maximum of six participants per spot.

OAK LAWN

Oak Lawn police and firefighters will hold their free events from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Municipal Center, 9446 S. Raymond Ave.

Visitors will be able to see demonstrations by the police K-9 unit and evidence technicians and fire department. Kids and adults will be able to see and suit up in SWAT equipment. A car extrication will be performed by firefighters.

Tours will be offered of the police and fire stations, the lockup, and meet Oak Lawn’s first responders.

Kids 12 and under will receive a complimentary hot dog and other giveaways.

ORLAND PARK 

National Night Out events in Orland Park will run from 5-9 p.m. as part of a nationwide push to strengthen police and community relations.

The Orland Park area event will be held at the Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. The police department is planning a variety of entertainment options for everyone to enjoy, and a free raffle with many prizes for people of all ages will take place.

This year’s event is sponsored in part by Mazda of Orland Park.

“The police department organizes such a nice event for National Night Out every year that includes a fun and educational event just outside village hall,” said Mayor Keith Pekau. “Families are encouraged to attend, meet their local law enforcement officers and enjoy the many fun displays, booths and activities.”

Attendees will be able to meet members of Orland Park’s Police Department as well as other first responders.

“National Night Out is a great way for kids to meet their local police officers, in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere unlike an emergency setting,” said Chief Eric Rossi. “We enjoy seeing everyone come back each year to see all that’s happening with the police department and to have a fun evening.”

Orland Park’s festivities include face painters, a DJ and plenty of food and games. Orland Park businesses will host booths with prizes, giveaways, coupons and safety related information.

Maverick, the Orland Park Police Department’s K-9 officer, will attend the event and show off his drug-finding skills in a mock scenario.

Tickets will be provided to guests for a free hot dog provided by Joey’s Red Hots of Orland Park.

PALOS HEIGHTS

Palos Heights police will hold their annual National Night Out from 6-9 p.m. at the police station.

Everyone is welcome and visitors will be able to meet police officers, take a tour of the police department, learn about personal safety and crime prevention, and see a K-9 and motorcycle demonstration.

There will be food and prizes.

A DJ will entertain and there will be interactive events for kids and adults.

Parking will be available in the Palos Baseball lot on the rear west side of the police station.

For more information, call Deputy Chief Bill Czajkowski at 708-671-3284.

PALOS HILLS 

Palos Hills will hold its annual National Night Out from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Town Square Park, 8455 W. 103rd St.

This free event is open to all and is sponsored by the City of Palos Hills Resource & Recreation Department, the Palos Hills Police Department, North Palos Fire Protection District and Green Hills Public Library District.

The event will enable residents to interact with local agencies and create community camaraderie. Activities include a DJ, face painting, and tours of the both police and fire vehicles.

There will also be an inflatable obstacle course, bingo, free food and giveaways, while supplies last.

For more information, call the Palos Hills Community Center at 708-430-4500.

SUMMIT 

The Summit Police Department will again host National Night Out from 5-8 p.m. in the Big Pavilion at Summit Park.

The police and fire departments, Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, village trustees and others will be on hand as well as members of the Summit Neighborhood Watch Program.

WORTH

The Worth Police Department is inviting everyone to their annual National Night Out Event, scheduled for August 2 from 6-9 p.m. at Altman Park.

A bounce house was one of the attractions at last year’s National Night Out in Palos Heights. (File photo)