Neighborhoods across the Southwest Side and southwest suburbs will again celebrate first responders at National Night Out next week.
The Tuesday, August 5, event is designed to foster better relations between the community and first responders, particularly the police.
In Chicago, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch is hosting an event for the Garfield Ridge community, while the Clearing Night Force is hosting an event for the Clearing community.
Garfield Ridge residents can expect the annual car parade, co-hosted by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and the Fire It Up Now firetruck. For over 17 years, the Garfield Neighborhood Watch has been driving through the streets playing patriotic music from the Fire It Up Now firetruck’s speakers and waving the Blue Line Flag. Residents are welcome to join the procession and participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles for the event.
You’ll find the map on the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Facebook and Instagram (@gr.neighborhood.watch). Also on Tuesday, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch will have live updates on where they are.
The Clearing Night Force has cancelled its annual prayer vigil and motorcade parade after 25 years.
According to Clearing Night Force President Judy Ollry, the group will enjoy National Night Out with the 8th District Police Department at West Lawn Park, 4233W. 65th St., starting at 4 p.m. There will be kiddy train rides, face painting, a peace march and the movie Despicable 4.
The Brookfield Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring events including fun and games from 5-7 p.m. at Ehlert Park, 4412 Park Ave.
Burbank’s Police Department will hold events from 5-8 p.m. at 5650 W. 75th Place. Activities include Child ID Fingerprint kits, food and ice cream trucks, emergency vehicles, a detention facility tour, exotic cars, a movie and a bonfire.
Indian Head Park activities will run from 4-9:30 p.m. at Blackhawk Park and include free refreshments, touch a truck, live music, and the movie Disney’s Mufasa.
Summit will be hosting its annual event from 5-8 p.m. at Summit Park, near the big pavilion.
Countryside police will join departments from LaGrange, Western Springs and LaGrange Park from 5-7:30 p.m. at Denning Park, 4903 Willow Springs Road, La Grange. Activities will include food, games, face painting, live music and a super hero costume contest.
On Tuesday, the Orland Park Police Department will host the village’s annual National Night Out from 5-8 p.m. at the Orland Park Village Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Avenue.
Orland Park’s festivities include a DJ, plenty of food and games. Orland Park businesses will host booths with prizes, giveaways, coupons and safety related information.
The Worth Park District event will take place from 6-9 p.m. at Altman Park, 7425 W. 115th St. Part of the celebration will honor the park district’s 60th anniversary.
Palos Hills will hold its 9th annual National Night Out from 6-8 p.m. at Town Square Park, 8455 W. 103rdSt. The event will feature face painters, police vehicles on display, and a band. It is advertised as the “last big event before school begins again!”. Food will be available while supplies last.
Chicago Ridge will run activities from 5-9 p.m. in the parking lot behind Village Hall at 105th and Oxford. There will be free food, free drinks and free entertainment.
The Hickory Hills Park District, Hickory Hills Police Department, Green Hills Library, and Roberts Park Fire Department will co-host events from 6:30-8 p.m. at Kasey Meadow Park, 8047 W. 91st Place. Activities will include a touch-a-truck, adoptable dogs, dunk tank with proceeds going to the Hinsdale Humane Society, and a “very special crime fighter.”
There will also be a concert by Dirty Pop.
Oak Lawn is moving its celebration to the Village Green, 9446 S. Raymond Ave., this year. Events will start at 6 p.m. and include police and fire department vehicle tours and demonstrations, live DJ performing on the gazebo stage, bounce houses, face painting and balloon artists.
“National Night Out is one of our favorite nights of the year! It’s a chance for our officers to connect with the community in a relaxed, positive setting. These events help build trust, strengthen relationships, and remind us all that public safety is a shared responsibility. We’re proud to stand alongside our residents and celebrate the partnerships that make our neighborhoods safer and stronger,” said Police Chief Dan Vittorio.Palos Heights Police Department will hold an open house from 6-9 p.m. There will be food from Pop’s, Andy’s Frozen Custard and Starbucks. Guests will be able to tour the police station, try to dunk officers, and check out vehicles. Other activities include a reptile show, balloon show, jump house, K9 demonstrations and games.
Palos Park celebrates National Night Out Week starting with Coffee with the Chief at 7 p.m. Friday, August 1.
On Tuesday, August 5, the day will start with a police-community lunch forum at 12:30 p.m. at Cog Hill Country Club, two Scam Awareness sessions will be held at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A touch a truck session will be offered from 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, on the Village Green.
The week will conclude with Coffee with a Cop at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, at the Plush Horse.
There are also citizen ride-a-longs available that have to be scheduled individually. Email jmiller@palospark.org to set up a time.
“These interactions are critical in maintaining public safety and effective policing. We rely on the cooperation of our community members as we work with each other to come up with solutions,” said Dan Polk, Police Commissioner.