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, August 2. 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.
Avalon Community Hall at the beach, 3001 Avalon Ave.
Avalon’s National Night Out will be held at the beach and feature Minion characters, inflatables for children, mechanical rides, a dunk tank, fire trucks, games, giveaways, the Avalon Police Department, Public Works vehicles and the U.S. Secret Service.
Cape May
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Outside of Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Dr.
Captain Rob Sheehan of the Cape May Police Department announces the first Beach and Boardwalk National Night Out, where Cape May will join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for this annual crime and drug prevention event. Through the generous support of local businesses, the Cape May Police Department will be providing games, activities, food and giveaways.
Lower Township
5 to 7 p.m.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May
The Lower Township Police Department invites citizens to attend this year’s National Night Out with live music provided by Simo & Twelve:01 Band and a DJ from 98.7 the Coast. There will be public safety displays, games, pony rides, complimentary refreshments, entertainment and lots of family fun.
Middle Township
6 to 8 p.m.
Clarence Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Rd., Cape May Court House
Come out to Middle Township’s National Night Out for free food, pony rides, Sherriff’s Department K-9 demonstrations, face painting, inflatable bounce houses, photo booth pictures, Jaws of Life demonstrations, raffle prizes, drunk driving obstacle courses, baseball competitions and much more! Display tables will be set up from Law Enforcement Agencies and other local entities within our community.
North Wildwood
5:30 to 10 p.m.
Bill Henfey Park, 8th & Central Aves.
The City of North Wildwood departments will set up displays around the block, representing police, fire, public works, beach patrol and recreation. Enjoy a FREE barbecue, games, various activities for children, hourly giveaways, and more. A movie will begin at dusk. Sponsored by the City of North Wildwood Police Department.
Sea Isle City
6 to 8 p.m.
Excursion Park, JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave.
Sea Isle City’s National Night Out will feature complementary snacks and other giveaways, as well as a variety of free activities, including face painters, an inflatable obstacle course, a photo booth, games, live music and other family fun. There will also be a dunk tank, which will raise funds for Mayor Desiderio’s 2016 Holiday Toy and Food Drive. Families will also enjoy a variety of interactive law enforcement and safety displays, manned by representatives from Sea Isle City’s Fire Department, Ambulance Corps and Beach Patrol, as well as the Cape May County’s Sheriff’s Office, Prosecutor’s Office and S.W.A.T. Team. At the SICPD table, officers will allow people to try on special goggles that show how severely alcohol impairs basic functions. Afterwards, everyone can settle-in for a free showing of the hit Disney movie “Descendants,” which will begin at dusk. Families are reminded to bring folding chairs or beach blankets to recline on the park’s lawn during the movie.
Stone Harbor
5 to 8 p.m.
Water Tower Plaza, 95th St. & Second Ave.
Sponsored by Stone Harbor Police Department, this event will highlight fun, games and entertainment for children and families!
Wildwood
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Fox Park, Ocean Ave. between Burk & Montgomery Aves.
Join the Wildwood Police Department, Wildwood Fire Department and Wildwood Beach Patrol for the annual National Night Out in an effort to heighten crime and drug awareness. Enjoy free hotdogs, snacks and beverages. Events will include a simulated drunk driving course, activities utilizing a working fire hose, pony rides, a dunk tank, an inflatable slide, a bounce house, a bean bag toss and more. Local community exhibitor groups include Wildwood Police and Fire Departments, Wildwood Beach Patrol, Lunch with Lynch, Cape May County Prosecutors Office, Cape May County Sheriff’s Dept., Cape May County Swat Team, Vietnam Veterans of America, Cape Assist, Crest Savings Bank, Greater Wildwood Municipal Alliance, Morey’s Piers, Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum, Brayces, Servpro, Boy Scouts, J. Byrne Insurance Co., Rite Aid Wellness Center and more. Sponsored by the Wildwood Police Department.
Wildwood Crest
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Centennial Park, Fern Rd. & Ocean Ave.
Wildwood Crest’s National Night Out will feature plenty of entertainment and things to do for the entire family! Enjoy live music by the band, Loud ‘n’ Klear, playing your top 40 favorites from the 80’s to now, as well as many fun games and activities. Members of the Wildwood Crest Police Department, Swat Team members, Wildwood Crest Rescue, Wildwood Crest Fire Department, Wildwood Crest Recreation Department and the Cape May County Sheriff’s K-9 unit will also be there!