Organizers estimate that more than 700 people took part in National Night Out at Mundelein Community Park Tuesday, where attendees had several activities to choose from, a snack and a movie.
It was the first time in two years the event had been held in person, as last year’s Night Out was one of many activities canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Several villages in the area elected to cancel their National Night Out events this year as well.
Activities Tuesday night included tie-dyeing shirts, a petting zoo and a chance for people to adopt a pet. Some in attendance also said they enjoyed the funnel cake with ice cream that was offered. Barefoot Bay, the Mundelein Park and Recreation District’s water park, was also open — with free admission.
To close out the night, families were able to watch a live-action version of the “Lion King,” which was shown after dark.
Jessica Sexton, crime prevention coordinator for the Mundelein Police Department and one of the event organizers, said this year’s National Night Out was special after last year’s cancellations. She also said that it was her first time helping organize it, and she felt like it was “a great success.” coming up during it
“Getting the community back out and together was kind of a big thing for us this year,” Sexton said.
Nora Bellido Arroyo, of Grayslake, was one of those who stayed to watch the movie. Arroyo, who is also one of the owners of Park Street Restaurant in Mundelein, said she had never attended a National Night Out before. But having three young daughters, she said she and her family thought the activities were cool. Arroyo said she will try to go next year.
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“One of my daughters loves animals and the petting zoo was great,” she said. “We had a lot of fun with our friends.”
Vanessa Nevarez, of Mundelein, said this was also her first time going to National Night Out. She said she had a great night, and loved the food, activities and games. While she said it was hard to choose, her favorite activity was the petting zoo, with the tie-dye shirt station runner-up.
“The atmosphere was awesome,” she said.
Mayor Steve Lentz said he was “so pleased” to have the event happen for the first time in two years. He also thanked all the different village departments that had a hand in organizing it, including police, fire, public works and engineering, the Parks and Recreation District, and the Community Emergency Response Team.
“All the activities were focused on strengthening a true sense of community and camaraderie between neighbors, public safety officials and village officials,” Lentz told Pioneer Press. “I’m grateful we had the opportunity to bring residents together to enjoy each other’s company.”
National Night Out is a campaign that is aimed at building the relationship between the community and police department, offering a chance for residents and police to come together under positive circumstances. The events are hosted locally across thousands of communities each year, according to the campaign’s website.
