When the first week of August rolls around, many Naperville neighborhoods — and communities across the suburbs — know what it’s time for: National Night Out.
This year’s festivities for the nationwide event promoting public safety, drug prevention and community spirit are set for Tuesday, Aug. 4.
In Naperville, 36 neighborhood gatherings are planned for around the city, following one event behing held the day before — the Community Kick-Off Celebration on Monday, Aug. 3.
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Community kickOff
Since 2016, Naperville has hosted one large, free event to launch into National Night Out, with a bounce house for the kids, an outdoor movie and chances to interact with police employees and equipment.
This year’s kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Fry Family YMCA, 2120 95th St. Organizers are “making it bigger and more interactive with games, giveaways, a magic act, food trucks and a movie at dusk,” said Julie Smith, Naperville police’s crime prevention specialist. “It’s a fun night.”
Free popcorn for the movie will be available while supplies last, and residents are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to set up a place to watch.
Night Out in Naperville
On National Night Out itself — billed as “America’s Night Out Against Crime — celebrations in Naperville will hit the neighborhood level, where organizers are planning more bounce houses, ice cream socials, live performances, cookouts, kids’ parades and other activities.
“Neighborhoods can make it as big or small as they want. Some have budgets, some don’t,” Smith said. “But it’s not about that. It’s about bringing everyone together.”
Personnel from the city’s police, fire and public works departments, as well as the electric and water utilities, will stop by many of the neighborhood events between 5 and 8 p.m., engaging in moments of one-on-one interaction and sharing resources with residents.
The city is providing starter kits of chalk, balloons, bubbles and materials about city services to each neighborhood in preparation for an event that’s all about promoting safety and togetherness.
“Neighbors looking out for each other is one of the best crime prevention messages,” Smith said.
Donation drive
Attendees to both the kickoff and Night Out neighborhood events are asked to bring needed items to support Little Friends, a nonprofit that serves children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. On the list of needs (naperville.il.us/contentassets/2087504054ce4637b243fd4a07566bee/nno-donation-drive.pdf) are items such as construction paper, paint, markers, glue sticks, kinetic sand and gift cards to Target or Walmart.
DuPage and Will counties
Many communities around Naperville also are marking National Night Out with Aug. 4 celebrations.
Aurora: Neighborhood events are scheduled across the city’s 10 wards. Find a list of event locations at aurora.il.us/Recreation-and-Amenities/Events/Special-Events/National-Night-Out.
Lisle: A National Night Out & Touch-A-Truck event is set for 5 to 8 p.m. at Lisle Police Department, 5040 Lincoln Ave.
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Plainfield: After a sensory hour for a quieter experience from 4 to 5 p.m., National Night Out runs 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Settlers’ Park, 4401 W, 24401 Lockport St.
Oswego: Frozen treats, games and a splash pad will be on hand from 5 to 8 p.m. at Prairie Point Skate Park, 4120 Plainfield Road.
Warrenville: National Night Out is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. at Cerny Park Pavilion, 28W415 Forestview Drive South.
Will County: Will County Forest Preserve District’s sixth annual National Night Out event will run 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave., Monee, with several police departments on hand and food provided by the nonprofit Operation BBQ Relief.
Woodridge: Woodridge Police Department will host National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. at Duffy’s Pavilion next to the Woodridge Athletic Recreation Center, 8201 Janes Ave., with a drone demonstration, face painting and photo opps inside a police car.
Marie Wilson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.