Dark skies didn’t keep away hundreds of Buffalo Grove residents from attending National Night Out Tuesday to meet Buffalo Grove police, firefighters and local businesses at the annual community event that also included food trucks and live music.
An estimated 1,000 people came together at Willow Stream Park for the popular night out organized by the Buffalo Grove Park District. Turnout was down from last year due to cooler temperatures and the threat of rain, park officials said, but they were still pleased with the community’s opportunity to connect with first responders, business leaders and partake in one of the village’s summer outdoor festivals.
“Despite the weather, we had a really great turnout,” said Park District Executive Director Erika Strojinc who said she worked her 18th National Night Out event. “We love this event, it’s all forces, everybody in.”
She explained that Buffalo Grove is unique in that its National Night Out is organized by the Park District in partnership with the village, police and fire.
“National Night Out is about safety, awareness and community,” Strojinc said. “We’ve spun it so we have a strong business expo here, community partners – including the library and Rotarians, and we spice it up with a little live music and fun stuff for kids to participate in along with the food trucks.”
Across the U.S., National Night Out is billed as an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and crime prevention.
She said there were 20 business vendors, along with booths managed by the police and fire departments. There were also emergency vehicles for children to explore and the opportunity to meet the popular police therapy dog, Grady, an American Labradoodle.
“Every year it’s a great turnout, with the inflatables, the face painter and a food drive for the local food bank,” said police Officer Amy Cholewa, who also works with Grady.
The department conducted both a drone and K-9 demonstration during the event.
“It’s really important for people in the community, both kids and adults, to see us in this kind of setting and engage with them, answer questions, give high fives and hand out stickers from officers who look like them,” said Cholewa
Police Chief Brian Budds said National Night Out is one of his favorite times of the year.
“It’s a great time to showcase our department and get to know people,” Budds said. “It’s about
community engagement. We do this every day; communication is part of what we do, it’s part of our DNA. This is really for police, fire and other partners in the community. Most importantly, it’s the conversations.”
Many attendees brought their children to meet and greet police, the therapy dog, firefighters, enjoy the inflatables and more.
“It’s something for the kids to experience,” said Anna Caustrita. Her 4-year-old son “likes all of the emergency vehicles and he really likes the concerts.”
Her husband, Alfonso, really liked the food and food trucks and they both agreed this year was bigger and better.
“It’s better this year because it’s not as hot, it cooled down,” Anna Caustrita said.
Special recognitions during the event included Friends of the Park Foundation Awards, Strojinc said.
“Best Friend” awards were given to Brad Egel and the Original Bagel and Bialy in Buffalo Grove. Soccer coaches Andy Becker and Melissa Rose were also recognized for their contributions.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.