The South Loop has a National Night Out

against crime

08/03/2011 2:08 AM

By Bonnie McGrath

1 Comment - Add Your Comment


Neighborhood people arriving at National Night Out Against Crime, True Rock Ministries parking lot (photo by Bonnie McGrath)

Like many communities around town and around the country, tbe South Loop's First District police put on the dog to celebrate National Night Out Against Crime. A lot of uniforms--from Commander on down--were in attendance welcoming and chatting. As were Alderman Fioretti, and volunteer CAPS community liaison, Dearborn Parker Larry Young, who wore a long white apron and served hot dogs.


I visited early Tuesday evening and got--with tickets given when you signed in at the table--a turkey hotdog from Flavor 180, a bag of Vitner's potato chips and a bottle of water, a t-shirt, sidewalk chalk from Macy's, a raffle ticket and a Rainbow Cone.

All was served in the True Rock Ministries parking lot at 16th and Wabash, next door to the future new park, which is going to be next door to a future new restaurant. Meaning there are going to be some dandy new destination spots in the area someday.

There was a band playing loud rock music as people arrived under a threateningly cloudy sky. I had to leave before the raffle but neighborhood pal Jeanette Johnson watched over my losing numbers. I heard the prizes were good--restaurant coupons and Ravinia tickets, for instance.

There were harmonicas given out to the kids for a play-along. And sheets were distributed with things like crime prevention tips (don't leave valuables on the table while dining al fresco) and CAPS meeting dates (the next one is August 16 at the First District station).

But back to the Rainbow Cone. It was really delicious, the layered flavors of pistachio, chocolate, strawberry, orange sherbert and Palmer House packed on with a spatula. What a combination. After I left the Night Out, I visited my dad who started eating Rainbow Cones in 1926 when they opened at 92nd and Western, he told me. In those days, the location was aimed at catching people coming back to the city after spending time in the country. They've been popular ever since, often catching people from Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza and National Night Out Against Crime, enjoying life in the heart of the city.


1 Comment - Add Your Comment



By Stephen Reginald from South Loop
Posted: 08/03/2011 4:39 PM

How did I miss this event? I had the flyer in my hand for weeks! Looks like it was a great event. Thanks for the recap, Bonnie.