National Night Out in Barrington was a summer highlight earlier this month, one of the last seasonal events before school starts and a chance for the community and emergency responders to interact.
“It is incredible how many people have come out and just had a blast with their families, especially with their young ones,” said Tom Root, of Barrington, who attended the Aug. 8 event with his 2-year-old son.
National Night Out is a nationwide event meant to meld police, fire and other emergency responders with the communities they serve, all in an effort to build rapport and good relations. While the event is usually scheduled to be held on the first Tuesday of August, town leaders have hosted them at times more convenient for the respective town. For Barrington, it was last Thursday.
“The Barrington Police Department is thrilled to host another National Night Out Against Crime event, a highly anticipated event” with a number of retail and corporate sponsors, police Chief John Burke told Pioneer Press. “National Night Out is a pivotal annual event aimed at enhancing community-police relationships and increasing awareness about crime prevention.”
Midways on the closed streets were filled with people. Free treats were provided, including hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, chips and desserts like bundt cakes.
The Barrington Lions Club partnered with The Community Meal to grill about 1,500 hot dogs.
Andy Parry, of Inverness, and Brian Cecola, of Barrington Hills, were among Barrington Lions Club members working the grill.
“They’re going like hot cakes…hot dog cakes,” said a smiling Cecola, a 22-year Barrington Lions Club member. “It’s what we do, we serve, this is what it’s all about, right here.”
Parry said there was “a great turnout.”
An estimated 1,000 sub sandwiches were distributed at The Community Meal tent.
“This is community night, we’re The Community Meal … supporting our police,” said Sandy Hasse, coordinator of The Community Meal.
Giveaways, including fitted bike helmets. Alos, children could point a hose at a firefighter game target, jump on inflatables, steer a race car game and try their luck at the Human Fruit Machine which was like a slot machine with human elbow power and real fruit.
Players who got all three same fruits won a prize – like what happens in Las Vegas – which were kid-friendly items like a new water bottle, useful for back to school.
Staffing one of the three Human Fruit Machine slots was Jennifer Dabrowski, marketing coordinator with the Barrington Park District.
“We love to bring smiles and laughs to families in Barrington,” Dabrowski said.
National Night Out in Barrington also included a police K-9 dog demonstration that had youngsters and adults marveling over the trained actions of K-9 Badger from Wauconda.
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Sparky the dalmatian character dog also appeared and gave kiddies personal high fives.
Parents attending with their young children heaped praise on the community event.
Chief Burke called National Night Out in Barrington “an extraordinary occasion, bringing together our community in a united effort to promote safety, strengthen neighborhood bonds, and foster a spirit of camaraderie.”
He said the Barrington Police Department along with 18 other law enforcement agencies partner with sponsors to deliver an event that “underscores our collective commitment to a safer, stronger community.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.