Naperville’s National Night Out festivities are fast approaching, and residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and make plans to attend the local events scheduled for this celebration of community spirit and anti-crime efforts.
Commonly called “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday in August. It is a nationwide event designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships.
In addition to gatherings in 43 neighborhoods throughout the community Tuesday, Aug. 6, Naperville’s National Night Out festivities will include a free community kick-off celebration at the Fry Family YMCA, 2120 95th Street, Naperville, Monday, Aug. 5.
Naperville’s popular National Night Out kick-off celebration at the Fry Family YMCA will feature games, giveaways, and activities for all ages, including a bounce house, a magic act, and an opportunity to interact with police personnel and equipment. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will culminate with a free outdoor showing of Disney “Lilo & Stitch” at sunset. Free popcorn will be available while supplies last, and residents are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for the movie. This event is co-sponsored by the City of Naperville, Fry Family YMCA, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Trader Joe’s, Hollywood Palms, and the Target on Jefferson Avenue in Naperville.
Forty-three neighborhoods have registered to be host to National Night Out events August 6 with plans to enjoy bounce houses, ice cream socials, live music, food trucks, cookouts, kids’ parades and more! City employees from the police, fire, public works, and utility departments will attend many of the neighborhood events between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with cool trucks and equipment to show off, giveaways, and information for families. A list of participating neighborhoods is available at www.naperville.il.us/nno.
Donation Drive
The City of Naperville is a partner with 360 Youth Services for this year’s National Night Out donation drive. Donations will be accepted at the kick-off event, and neighborhoods are encouraged to conduct a donation drive for this worthy cause in conjunction with their National Night Out events. A list of items currently needed most by 360 Youth Services’ clients is available at www.naperville.il.us/nno.
Bring an item to donate to the kick-off event August 5 to be entered into a raffle for free Hollywood Palms admission passes or a certificate for an exclusive screening in Hollywood Palms’ VIP theater (a $300 value).
For more information on National Night Out or any of the activities mentioned in this release, visit www.naperville.il.us/nno.
—City of Naperville government