Naperville to Celebrate National Night Out with Community Events on July 31 and Aug. 1

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 more than 45 neighborhoods throughout the community on Tuesday, Aug. 1, Naperville’s National Night Out festivities will include a free community kick-off celebration at the Fry Family YMCA, 2120 95th St., Naperville, on Monday, July 31.

Community Kick-Off Celebration – Monday, July 31

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 p.m. and will culminate with a free outdoor showing of Disney Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” 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, and the Target on Jefferson Avenue in Naperville.

Neighborhood Events – Tuesday, Aug. 1

More than 45 neighborhoods have registered to host National Night Out events on Aug. 1 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 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 has partnered with Loaves & Fishes 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 Loaves & Fishes clients is available at www.naperville.il.us/nno.

For more information on National Night Out or any of the activities mentioned in this release, visit www.naperville.il.us/nno.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.