National Night Out is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. For the past 29 years, towns and cities all over the country have participated in the event, which is designed to “heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
It’s also a fun, family event and this year takes place on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Here’s what your town has planned:
Bloomfield National Night Out
Who: All ages.
What: Bicentennial Edition! Citizens,law enforcement, civic groups, businesses, and neighborhood organizations will gather in various locales to display outdoor lighting and hold front porchvigils — all to promote neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships in the fight for a safer community and nation.
Where: Throughout the town.
When: Tuesday, August 7 from 7 pm – 10 pm.
Cost: Free.
South Orange National Night Out
Who: All ages.
What: The event kicks off at 6:30PM with live music from Aisle Five, a hot 70s, 80s, 90s rock/pop cover band and a Kids Zone with a dunk tank, bounce houses, NNO giveaways, face painting and activities with local gym teacher Jeff Kaeshaeffer. During this time, the Rescue Squad will be doing a 50/50 raffle and everyone is encouraged to purchase a ticket. The winner will be announced prior to the outdoor movie. At 8:30PM, an outdoor movie featuring “The Muppets” will be projected on a jumbo screen.
Where: Meadowland’s Park (Flood Hill), South Orange, NJ.
When: Tuesday August 7 from 6:30 pm – 10 pm. “The Muppets” starts at 8:30 pm.
Cost: Free.
Livingston National Night Out
Who: All ages.
What: Enjoy exhibits and safety demonstrations, helicopter landings, bouncy houses, games, face painting, a movie under the stars at sundown, popcorn, hot dogs and more!
Where: Memorial Oval, across from the police station, Livingston, NJ
When: Tuesday, August 7 at 5:30 pm
Cost: Free
Maplewood National Night Out
Who: All ages
What: Event will include pictures with Batman, Karate demonstration, wiffle ball home run derby, plus prizes and give-aways for adults and kids. Hot dogs, refreshments and Italian ice will also be available. All members of the community are cordially invited to participate in this year’s program.
Where: DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood, NJ
When: Tuesday, August 7 from 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
Glen Ridge National Night Out
Who: All ages.
What: Go out an meet your local Police, Fire and Ambulance Departments that support the community. Meet GR Police K-9 Officer McGruff, see some equipment, win giveaways, eat popcorn and get free admission to the Glen Ridge pool!
Where: Glen Ridge Community Pool, 35 Clark Street, Glen Ridge, NJ
When: Tuesday, August 7 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm.
Cost: Free
Download a cute kid’s activity sheet here.