Monee Reservoir will once again host the annual National Night Out festivities, which are designed to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement.

The event is set for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the preserve.

“I feel that this event does help bridge the gap between the public and police,” said Forest Preserve Deputy Police Chief David Barrios Jr. “They get to interact with the officers from the areas where they live in a positive environment. We have seen the same people come back every year because it is a great event.”

This is the fifth year Forest Preserve police have organized the event in partnership with the Monee and Crete police departments. New this year is participation by the University Park Police.

“They will have a tent with novelty items, candy and literature to hand out,” Barrios said.

The Forest Preserve police will again offer Child ID cards and other giveaways. The event will also feature music, games and activities.

Hot dogs will be provided by Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit that provides food to residents, first responders and relief workers in disaster-affected communities. 

Monee police will bring their K-9 unit, and Crete police will bring their therapy dog.

“We will have the usual popcorn and snow cone machines along with a bounce house,” Barrios said. “This year we will have the Coast Guard Auxiliary out and hope to have the Chicago Police helicopter make a few passes over the crowd like last year.”

During the event, Forest Preserve staff will offer a Try It program with free kayaking instruction on Monee Reservoir’s 46-acre lake.

National Night Out was created in August 1984 in Pennsylvania to bring together law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic organizations, crime prevention associations and volunteers. The first event involved 2.5 million neighbors in 400 communities across 23 states and it has grown throughout the years to include millions of people from all 50 states.