Annual National Night Out events were popular in area cities/towns Tuesday evening. Food, games, musical entertainment and friendly law enforcement officers welcomed local citizens.

The Perry Farm was a host site. Bourbonnais Police teamed with area law enforcement and fire departments to welcome community folks. Entertainment and food was provided. The evening ended with a fireworks display.

Community gatherings were also popular in Champaign and McLean counties, Joliet and Chicago, and also in northwest Indiana cities.

National Night Out was celebrated for the 35th consecutive year across the United States. It’s designed to bring communities together, connecting with police and local resources to make a difference in building safe neighborhoods.

The hope is to create a bond with the police officers to build better relations with law enforcement.

The National Night Out website states, it was in 1984 when the National Association of Town Watch was founded to connect community watch programs and provide them with needed resources to make a difference in their neighborhoods.

Common events for the annual event are a Block Party, A Bike Parade of Kids, Live Music and crime prevention discussions with police and fire personnel.

94.1 WGFA