Elgin, Carpentersville and South Elgin police departments are once again holding unique events next week to celebrate National Night Out.
As it has done in the past, Elgin plans to hold a number of neighborhood gatherings rather than one large party as it invites residents to get to know each other and interact with members of the police department and other city representatives.
“There will be 31 parties, with nine of those hosted by police officers, that will run from either 5 or 6 to 8 p.m.,” said Christy Schmidt, police community engagement specialist. “Our usual team of dignitaries, city officials, mascots and firefighters will be visiting them.”
Schmidt said what makes National Night Out party planning easy is that Elgin has neighborhoods, homeowners associations, nonprofit groups, churches, civic organizations and residents who are willing to get involved.
For example, Schmidt said, American Legion Elgin Post 57 will be holding its own first Night Out event next week as will the Blackhawk Apartment Homes, with officers Brianna Williams and Clarissa Ramos hosting the gathering.
“We haven’t had a block party at Drake Field in quite a few years,” Schmidt said. “It’s making a comeback this time, with Officer Jorge Juarez hosting.”
The parties will offer a variety of attractions, she said, including Anderson Humane presenting a dog adoption drive at detective Ultan Gallagher’s event at downtown DuPage Court.
While Elgin bustles with dozens of block parties, Carpentersville police will once again host a large celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Carpenter Park. The village’s police department stages its event with help from the Carpentersville Fire Department, East Dundee, West Dundee and Harper College police departments, and Dundee Township Park District.
“National Night Out is much more than an event,” Jen Hyde, Carpentersville’s special events and community engagement manager, said. “It’s a celebration of the partnerships that help keep our communities strong year-round. At its heart, National Night Out is about building trust before it’s ever needed.”
Carpentersville’s gathering will feature 18 booths set up by businesses, nonprofits and churches. Nine local food vendors will be there, too, she said.
Attractions will include music from a DJ, a touch-a-truck and public safety vehicle area, K-9 and drone demonstrations, face painting, a DUI simulator and bounce houses.
“This year we’re especially excited to introduce our biggest inflatable obstacle courses yet, creating even more opportunities for kids to play, explore and make memories,” Hyde said.
What makes South Elgin’s gathering unique is it will be held later in the week. The third annual Back to School Night Out is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, in Panton Mill Park.
In keeping with the theme, the Village Squire Restaurant has donated 500 backpacks, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Craig Pierce, South Elgin’s communications manager. Students must be present at event’s entrance kiosk to claim one, he said.
Near the village’s new pickleball courts, about 35 organizations and service groups will staff informational tables, Pierce said.
The celebration will feature bounce houses and inflatables, foam cannons, mini-golf and face painting. Two food trucks and a snow cone vendor will set up shop, and the South Elgin FUNdation will operate a concession stand. The party-rock band 28 Days is to perform from 6 to 8 p.m.
“We’ll have exhibits demonstrating the importance of wearing seat belts and the negative effects of driving while impaired,” Pierce said. “And of course, we’ll have a wide range of first responder vehicles for attendees to inspect and check out.”
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The (Elgin) Courier-News.
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