National Night Out is an anti-crime effort. Organizers hope to strengthen the relationship between police and the community.
"We are all on one accord - community working with our police officers, with all of our elected officials to make things a lot better in our communities," said Betty Swanson, a resident in the 6th District.
In Chicago, each of the city's 25 police districts held a National Night Out event.
"It's really heart-wrenching to see some of the violence that's going on, and it's hard to deal with, but we have to find a concerted effort to stop some of this violence and to embrace our community and work together," said Sgt. Lunye Williams of the Chicago Police Department.
Deputy Superintendent Al Wysinger was the grand marshal for one march.
In west suburban Oakbrook Terrace, the sheriff's department joined local police and fire departments for events there.
Families could check out some of the sheriff's department vehicles before settling in to watch the movie 'Puss in Boots.'
