Local communities to come together during National Night Out
Since 1984, communities around the country have gathered on the first Tuesday of August to promote neighborhood companionship and crime prevention during the National Association of Town Watch’s National Night Out.
Since 1984, communities around the country have gathered on the first Tuesday of August to promote neighborhood companionship and crime prevention during the National Association of Town Watch's National Night Out. This year, the event falls on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and many towns and boroughs in the area are encouraging the public to put the lights on, lock their doors, and mingle with the public.
The day begins early at Lansdale, Pa.'s Peak Center, where at 12:30 p.m. they discuss safety for community seniors and other community police programs.
Among the numerous police, fire, medical and community vendors at Tony Canale Park in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., will be carnival games, free food and fireworks during Egg Harbor Township's National Night Out event. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., mingle with neighbors in the park, see a police vs. fire department softball showdown at 5:45 p.m., and see the popular fireworks show at 8 p.m.
This one's for the dogs in Wilmington, Del.'s Haynes Park. Meet K-9 police officers and their dogs, get a look at the Wilmington Police Department's mini mobile unit and SWAT vehicles, and mingle with the neighbors from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A carnival will be set up in Ardmore, Pa.'s Suburban Square from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect rides, games, live music, a giant slide, moon bounce, clowns and more. Police, fire and EMS units will also have displays.
Kids can learn what the Avalon Police Department, Avalon Volunteer Fire Department, Avalon Rescue Squad, and Avalon Beach Patrol do starting at 6 p.m., when Avalon N.J. holds its neighborhood event at the Avalon Community Hall. There'll be a DJ, food, games and a movie screening at 8:45 p.m.
Any young future police officer can take a peek inside the Deptford Police Department during its Night Out activities. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Deptford Municipal Building, the local police, fire and EMS squads will have information for Deptford, N.J. residents, as well as free grub and kids' activities.
Another police department offering tours is Horsham Township. In addition to free food and inflatables, you can see the Pennsylvania township's emergency vehicles, a kids' "safety town," and face-painting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Horsham Township Municipal Complex.
Take a dip in the Springfield Township Community Club Pool from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. While you're at it, boogie to some live music, and enter to win a flat-screen TV, Phillies tickets, and other cool prizes and more during Springfield Township, Pa.'s neighborhood gathering.
Also, keep in mind thousands of communities all over the country are participating in Night Out fesivities, so check your local municipality for any details.