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 45 neighborhoods throughout the community August 6, Naperville’s National Night Out festivities will include a free community kick-off celebration at Centennial Beach on August 5.
Kick-Off Celebration at Centennial Beach, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 5.
Naperville’s popular National Night Out kick-off celebration at Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Avenue, will feature swimming, games, giveaways and entertainment. There will be a limited amount of free food and beverages available, as well. A donated personal care item, baby care product or household item to benefit Family Shelter Service will get you in for free! The suggested per-person donation value is $3. Standard pool entrance rates apply without a donation.
Attendees will be treated to fun activities provided by the YMCA, the creative work of a balloon artist, a visit from Aurelio’s Pizza Man and free hotdogs, popcorn and frozen custard (while supplies last)! In addition, two bicycles and two video doorbells will be given away during the event! New this year, attendees will be asked what neighborhood they are representing upon arrival at the community kick-off. The two neighborhoods with the most representation at the kick-off event will each receive 200 cups of Andy’s Frozen Custard for their National Night Out neighborhood event August 6!
This event is co-sponsored by the Naperville Park District, Target, the YMCA, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Aurelio’s Pizza and Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market.
Neighborhood Events, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Forty-five neighborhoods have registered to host National Night Out events between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. August 6 with plans to enjoy bounce houses, ice cream socials, live music, cookouts, kids’ parades and more! City employees from the police, fire, public works and utility departments will attend many of the neighborhood events with cool trucks, giveaways and information for families. A list of participating neighborhoods is available at www.naperville.il.us/nno.
Donation drive
The City of Naperville has partnered with Family Shelter Service for this year’s National Night Out donation drive. Neighborhoods are encouraged to conduct a donation drive for this worthy cause in conjunction with their National Night Out events. A donation box will be provided, and a list of needed items is available at www.naperville.il.us/nno.
Featured program
Each year, the City of Naperville selects a program or issue impacting our community to be highlighted on National Night Out with continued focus throughout the year. This year, the Naperville Police Department is highlighting its partnership with the Neighbors by Ring app, which gives the Naperville community another way to keep up with local crime and safety information while also aiding detectives in criminal investigations.
Neighbors is a free app that anyone can use, even if they do not own a Ring device. Once the app is downloaded, residents can join their neighborhood and use the app to monitor neighborhood activity; share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive safety alerts from their neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team. Text ‘napervillepd’ to 555888 or visit download.ring.com/naperville to download the free app.
For more information on National Night Out or any of the activities mentioned in this release, visit www.naperville.il.us/nno.
—City government of Naperville