"National Night Out Against Crime" Events Ready to Roll in West Lawn and Clearing

Want to join your neighbors in a public show of strength against crime? Take part in the National Night Out Against Crime, which is set for Tuesday, August 6.

There will be two observances in the Eighth District:

Three clergymen at the 2012 event in Clearing.

** a district-wide one from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at West Lawn Park, and

** one for the Clearing neighborhood at Hale School and Park (with a prayer vigil starting at 6:30 p.m. and a neighborhood motorcade starting at 7:00 p.m.)

The event in Clearing is sponsored by the Clearing Night Force neighborhood watch group. The prayer vigil will take

place at 62nd and Melvina, at a memorial to two local girls killed in a gang-related shooting in 1995.

After the motorcade in Clearing, the CNF will serve refreshments in the Hale Park field house.

Clearing residents unable to participate directly are asked by the CNF to "turn on the porch lights and join their neighbors outside to talk about their block and introduce themselves to a new neighbor."

For more information on the Clearing observance, call (773) 492-0812.

The district-wide observance at West Lawn Park is one of the most popular in the city. Last year, more than 700 men, women and children took part.

The event will start with a short march around the park, 65th

Raffles at the 2012 district-wide event at West Lawn Park

and Keeler, with senior citizens and others with mobility limitations riding in an antique fire truck.

Several elected officials and other community leaders are expected to be on hand to rally the crowd against crime and help build camaraderie among neighbors.

The event will include a number of kid-friendly features, like face painting, a balloon man and more.

A limited amount of hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones and refreshments will be available. Raffles will be held for prizes donated by local businesses.

Neighbors across the district are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of good fellowship.

For more information on the district-wide observance at West Lawn Park, call the CPD Eighth District CAPS Office at (312) 747-8724.

Below: A few video highlights from the 2012 observances.

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