Elgin and surrounding towns going all out to lure residents to their National Night Out events and parties

A touch of Hawaii, a performance by popular rock band and a LifeNet helicopter landing are among the highlights of National Night Out events being held Tuesday in Elgin, South Elgin and Carpentersville.

The original National Night Out — still known as Night Out Against Crime in some communities — took place in 1984. More than 2.5 million people across 400 towns in 23 states participated in that first campaign, which is now an annual event for many towns now.

Organizers say it’s a way to bring neighbors together and allow them to interact with police officers in a positive setting. The idea is if neighbors get to know each other, bonds are created that build stronger, safer communities.

Here’s a look at what’s happening locally.

31 block parties in Elgin

Residents, social organizations, churches, schools, homeowners associations, Neighborhood Watch groups and police officers will be coming together Tuesday to hold 31 National Night Out block parties, “truly a communitywide event and team effort,” Elgin police Sgt. Mike Martino said.

Most events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., and the goal is for police officers, city leaders and a mascot to attend the various gatherings, Martino said. Local organizations and Elgin Fire Department crews also will be taking part, he said.

“We are excited to have several first-time hosts and many folks partnering to make their parties happen,” Martino said.

Anyone in a neighborhood not hosting an event is invited to attend any of the six police officer-hosted parties planned for 1540 Mulberry Lane, 310 N. Spring Ave., 783 W. Highland Ave., 378 Division St., 1312 Amanda Circle and 1885 Lin Lor Lane, Martino said.

Each officer’s party will be different. For example, Officer Daniel Kazey-Garey’s gathering on Lin Lor Lane will have an Hawaiian theme and will feature live music, food, games and treats from Andy’s Custard, he said.

“I will also be having public works attend, along with Centro de Informacion, which is co-hosting,” Kazey-Garey said. “Luna Behavioral Health Center and The Superhero Center for Autism of Loves Park and Westside Children’s Therapy will be there too.”

Officer Zach Young said the highlights of his party on Amanda Circle will be a magic show and an inflatable basketball challenge game.

Live music in South Elgin

In years past, South Elgin’s National Night Out took place at Jim Hansen Park. But this year there’s a new venue — Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., adjacent to the police station.

“This setting offers wider driving lanes for emergency vehicles, and it reduces costs as we can use our permanent sound stage and pavilion instead of renting them for another location,” South Elgin Communications Coordinator Craig Pierce said.

With the better setup for live entertainment, they’ll be bringing in one of the area’s biggest summer festival draws, rock band 7th Heaven, as well as opening act Rich Sawyer and Ashley, members of the Chris Stapleton cover band Tennessee Whiskey, Pierce said.

The 6 to 9 p.m. event will also feature performances by students from National Karate School, the South Elgin High School cheer team and Those Funny Little People; a touch-a-truck area; local business and nonprofit booths; and the Cesaroni Real Pit BBQ, The Pasta Box, Golden Eagle Hot Dogs, Mama Lee’s Popcorn and Dairy Queen South Elgin food trucks.

Helicopter to land in Carpentersville

The Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee and Sleepy Hollow police departments and the Dundee Township Park District are joining forces once again to hold their Night Out event from 5 to 8 p.m. in Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville.

“National Night Out is celebrating its 40th year. We cannot wait to invite the community for a fun-filled night,” Carpentersville Community Engagement and Patrol Officer Kara Burroughs said.

For a second year, one of the event’s highlights will be the appearance of a McHenry LifeNet helicopter, which will arrive at 7 p.m., Burroughs said.

Other attractions include a moon jump, rock wall, drunk driving simulator, drone demonstration and a skills demonstration by a Carpentersville Fire Department crew. Local businesses and nonprofits will be manning booths.

“Our new K-9, Bear, will be strutting his stuff, showing off his skills too,” Burroughs said.

Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.