RIVER WEST — Take in a movie while helping to fight crime in your neighborhood at the Near North Police District's National Night Out event Aug. 6.
The downtown district's annual celebration of the nationwide community watch rally will include a book fair, bag toss, barbecue and a host of other programming for a full day of fun at the Near North station, 1160 N. Larrabee St. in River West.
The local event is part of a national initiative now in its 30th year organized by the nonprofit National Association of Town Watch, which was created to encourage community involvement in policing. Neighborhood groups and area police districts typically host events that bring residents together and outside, and participants traditionally leave their lights on to symbolize vigilance in the neighborhood.
More than 15,000 communities in all 50 states participate each year with events that reach more than 37 million people, according to the association.
The Near North District's night out includes a book fair from 2-7 p.m., a barbecue from 6-7 p.m., a bag toss game from 7-7:30 p.m. and a screening of "Despicable Me" that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Chairs will be provided for the movie screening, and parking is available. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, call the Near North District CAPS office at (312) 742-5778.
