Dark skies didn’t stop hundreds of Buffalo Grove residents from attending National Night Out Tuesday to meet with Buffalo Grove police, firefighters and local businesses at the annual community event that also featured food trucks and live music.
About 1,000 people gathered at Willow Stream Park for the popular evening event hosted by the Buffalo Grove Park District. Attendance was down from last year due to cooler temperatures and the threat of rain, park officials said, but they were still excited for the opportunity for the community to connect with first responders, business leaders and take part in one of the village’s outdoor summer festivals.
“Despite the bad weather, we had a really good turnout,” said park district general manager Erika Strojinc, who said it was her 18th National Night Out event. “We love this event, it’s all forces, everyone comes out.”
She explained that Buffalo Grove is unique in that its National Night Out is hosted by the Park District in partnership with the village, police and fire departments.
“National Night Out is a night of safety, awareness and sharing,” Strojinc said. “We have a major trade show here with community partners including the library and Rotarians, and we’re adding some live music and fun activities for kids to participate in, along with food trucks.”
Across the United States, 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 exhibitors, as well as booths run by the police and fire departments. There were also emergency vehicles for children to explore and the chance to meet the police therapy dog, Grady, an American Labradoodle.
“Every year there’s a big turnout, with inflatables, face painting and a food drive for the local food bank,” said Constable Amy Cholewa, who also works with Grady.
The department performed a drone and K-9 dog demonstration at the event.
“It’s really important that people in the community, both children and adults, see us in this kind of setting and engage with them, answer their questions, give them high fives and hand out stickers of officers who look like them,” Cholewa said.
Police Chief Brian Budds said National Night Out is one of his favorite times of the year.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our department and get to know people,” Budds said. “It’s
“We engage with the community. We do it every day. Communication is part of our job, it’s part of our DNA. It’s really for the police, the fire and other community partners. The most important thing is the conversations.”
Many attendees brought their children to meet and greet the police, therapy dog, firefighters, enjoy the inflatables and more.
“It’s an experience that kids can have,” said Anna Caustrita. Her 4-year-old son “loves all the emergency vehicles and he really likes the concerts.”
Her husband, Alfonso, really enjoyed the food and the food trucks and they both agreed that this year was bigger and better.
“It’s better this year because it’s not as hot, it’s cooler,” said Anna Caustrita.
Special recognitions presented at the event included awards from the Friends of the Park Foundation, Strojinc said.
“Best Friend” awards went to Brad Egel and Original Bagel and Bialy of Buffalo Grove. Football coaches Andy Becker and Melissa Rose were also recognized for their contributions.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a self-employed worker.
