National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event in the U.S., held the first Tuesday of August. This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 7, celebrating the 35th anniversary. The event has been held annually since 1984 and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. The “Night” is meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, neighborhood watch and other anti-crime efforts. Check out our rundown of where and when to celebrate the event throughout Cape May County:
Avalon
6 to 8 p.m.
30th Street Parking Lot
Cape May
6 to 9 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Dr.
The night will feature different organizations displaying their activities, such as the Nature Center of Cape May, U.S. Coast Guard, Cape May County Sheriff’s Office and others. There will also be activities for children, food and giveaways. For more information, call (609) 884-9500.
Dennis Township
6:30 p.m.
Dennis Township Rec Complex, 565 Dennisville Rd., South Dennis
Give neighborhood crime and drugs a going away party! There will be drug and alcohol awareness, crime prevention exhibits, fire and safety demonstrations, live music by Goodman Fiske, 500 free soft pretzels and soda (first come, first served) and food available for purchase. Enjoy fireworks at dusk – bring a blanket or beach chair! Rain date is Aug. 8 (fireworks only). For more information, call (609) 861-1045.
Lower Township
5 to 7 p.m.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May
Middle Township
6 to 8 p.m.
Clarence Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Rd., Cape May Court House
Open to the public with free food including mini cupcakes, hot dogs, pizza, kettle corn, ice cream, water ice and cold drinks, games, pony rides, face painting, a photo booth, a bonfire pep rally, inflatable bounce houses, raffle prizes, demonstrations and display tables. For more information, call (609) 465-8700 ext. 1915.
North Wildwood
5:30 to 10 p.m.
Bill Henfey Park, 8th & Central avenues
City departments will set up displays around the block, representing police, fire, public works, beach patrol and recreation. Enjoy a free barbeque, games, various activities for children, hourly giveaways and more. A movie will begin at dusk. Sponsored by the City of North Wildwood Police Department. For more information, call (609) 522-2030 ext. 1503.
Sea Isle City
6 to 8 p.m.
Excursion Park, JFK Boulevard & Pleasure Avenue
There will be a movie showing of Cars 3 immediately following the National Night Out program (approximately 8:30 p.m.). For more information, call (609) 263-4311 ext. 2310.
Stone Harbor
5 to 8 p.m.
Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street & Second Avenue
Games, music, face painting, bounce houses and more! Sponsored by the Stone Harbor Police Department. For more information, call (609) 368-5102.
Wildwood
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Fox Park, Ocean Avenue between Burk & Montgomery avenues
Enjoy free games, food, prizes, a dunk tank and much more! Bring the entire family out for a fun night. Sponsored by the Wildwood Police Department. For more information, call (609) 522-0222.
Wildwood Crest
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Centennial Park, Fern Road & Ocean Avenue
The Borough of Wildwood Crest Police Department will host a fun-filled evening of free activities for the entire family. Festivities will include DJ entertainment, food, games, prizes, giveaways and more. Moon bounces, a face painter and a dunk tank will be included in the fun. Representatives from the Wildwood Crest Police Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Corps, Beach Patrol and Recreation Department, as well as a handful of Cape May County agencies, will all partake in the event. Emergency vehicles from a variety of departments from both Wildwood Crest and Cape May County will line the Centennial Park area. For more information, call (609) 522-2456.