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. 1. 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
There will be many police, fire, lifeguard, public works, and public safety vehicles and equipment staged on the lot for children to explore and learn more about safety and security. Free mechanical rides, games and an inflatable obstacle course will be available for children to experience. The Avalon Department of Recreation will supply free hot dogs, and free refreshing treats will be available from local merchant Sundae Best. Local band “Loud ‘N Klear” will play various pop, rock and party hits. There will be other participating agencies including the Avalon Free Public Library, the Avalon History Center and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, among others. Information on safety programs and community events will be available during the event. After National Night Out, guests are invited to the 30th Street beach (you’re going to need a bigger boat) to watch Avalon’s Big Beach Movie, “Jaws,” on a large inflatable screen at dusk. For more information, visit www.avalonboro.net.
Cape May
6 to 9 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Dr.
Residents throughout Cape May and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on the outside lights and spend the evening outside with the neighbors and police. Enjoy beach games, bounce houses, a dunk tank, firetrucks, hot dogs, candy, refreshments, prizes, giveaways, a magic show from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and much more free family fun! The Cape May City Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard will also be there. For more information, call (609) 884-9565.
Dennis Township
7 p.m.
Dennis Township Rec Complex, 565 Dennisville Rd., South Dennis
“Give neighborhood crime and drugs a going away party” at Dennis Township’s National Night Out! Enjoy live music by Split Decision, free soft pretzels and cold drinks, fire safety, drug and alcohol awareness and fireworks at dusk. The New Jersey State Police will be there with the Aviation Unit doing a helicopter flyover, the Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists Unit, and the K-9 Unit with demonstrations. 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
Join the Lower Township Police Department for public safety displays, games, prizes, pony rides, a dunk tank, inflatables, complimentary hot dogs, pizza, a pig roast, refreshments and live music. It is a fun night for everyone!
Middle Township
5 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 including mini cupcakes, hot dogs, pizza, kettle corn, ice cream, water ice and cold drinks; games; entertainment; pony rides; face painting; a photo booth; bounce houses; raffle prizes; a pep rally honoring Middle Township Jr. Panthers football team and cheerleaders; demonstrations from the New Jersey State Police Helicopter Unit, Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and Hamer’s School of Karate; the Middle Township Police Department Youth Summer Camp graduation; a drunk driving obstacle course; a fire simulator from Court House Fire Department; 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
5 to 8 p.m.
Excursion Park, JFK Boulevard & Pleasure Avenue
There will be a movie showing of The LEGO Batman movie (approximately 8:30 p.m.) immediately following the National Night Out Program. For more information, call (609) 263-4311 ext. 2310.
Stone Harbor
5 to 8 p.m.
Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street & Second Avenue
Fun, games, bounce houses, face painting, entertainment and more for families! 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
Come join the Wildwood Police Department, Wildwood Fire Department and Wildwood Beach Patrol, for the annual National Night Out! Free hotdogs, snacks and beverages will be available. Events will include a simulated drunk driving course, activities utilizing a working fire hose, pony rides, a dunk tank, inflatable slide, bounce houses, bean bag toss and many more games. Local community exhibitor groups will include Wildwood Police and Fire Departments, Wildwood Beach Patrol, Lunch with Lynch, Cape May County Prosecutors Office, Cape May County Sheriffs Dept., Cape May County Swat Team, Vietnam Veterans of America, Coastal Broadcasting, Cape Assist, Crest Savings Bank, Greater Wildwood Municipal Alliance, Morey’s Piers, Wildwood Motor Events – Monster Truck, Boy Scouts, American Red Cross and more. 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.