National Night Out Is Today In Batavia

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting its annual National Night Out event from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Sheriff’s Office located at 37W755 Il Route 38, St Charles.

The Sheriff’s Office will have members from the SWAT Team, Bomb Unit, Corrections Response Team, K9 Unit, Neighborhood Watch Groups, Citizens Police Alumni Groups and other groups on hand as well as face painting and kid’s 
games. The office is planning appearances by McGruff and Life Flight Medical Helicopter.

What is National Night Out?

Here’s a rundown of fun facts and history from the NATW:

1.) According to the National Association of Town Watch, which organizes the National Night Out, the event is “an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”

It’s a chance to get to know your local law enforcement officers and share your concerns about safety in the community. It’s also a time to meet people in your neighborhood and enjoy a night of safe, fun activities for your family.

2.) To remind neighbors of their commitment to safety, households are encouraged to leave their front porch lights on starting at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., regardless of whether it is dark outside.

3.) The event occurs on the first Tuesday of August every year, except in Texas. This year, Texas communities will celebrate the NNO October 1.

4.) This year is National Night Out’s 30th anniversary. The first NNO took place August 7, 1984. Approximately 2.5 million Americans participated in the event in 400 communities across 23 states. Since that first year, National Night Out has been enjoyed by 37 million people in 15,000 communities in all 50 states.

5.) In 1990, the U.S. Air Force captured this weather satellite image of the United States as communities celebrated National Night Out.

6.) In 1993 NATW founded “Project 365,” an initiative to encourage communities to come together and improve their neighborhoods year-round, not just during National Night Out. Looking for some inspiration? Check out this Project 365 success story.

7.) NATW gives out awards to communities that organize particularly successful NNOs. Criteria for awards includes the quality of the campaign, neighborhood participation, promotions, special events and the overall post-project report. Bowie’s National Night Out was ranked the 9th best NNO for communities with populations of 50,000 to 99,999 people.

8.) National Night Out has a mascot! It’s Nat the Knight, a community crusader who embodies the message of NNO. Look for him at your neighborhood’s celebration.