What is National Night Out?

Hackensack hosts National Night Out Marko Georgiev/NorthJersey.com

Communities and police departments all across the country are getting ready to continue their efforts to foster good relations between the public and police by celebrating National Night Out.

But what is National Night Out exactly and what should you expect if you go?

What is National Night Out?

National Night Out started 35 years ago and is an “annual community-building campaign” to promote better partnerships between the community and police departments as well as foster camaraderie between neighbors to increase safety, according to National Night Out’s website. Communities in 49 states come out to the event on the first Tuesday in August, except Texas which does its on the first Tuesday in October.

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What happens there?

Each community has different activities at its National Night Out event but the goal is always the same — to build a relationship between the community and police departments. Some towns host a block party while others hold parades.

But it is almost a guarantee that there will be safety demonstrations, seminars, events for kids, exhibits and the opportunity to meet and talk with first responders.

What will be there?

In Rutherford there will be free rides for children, a DJ and refreshments. Members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Westfield Army National Guard will be in attendance, as well as the wrestling stars of Rescue Mania will also make an appearance.

In Paterson, there will be 39 separate events, some of which will have inflatables for children to bounce around on. Woodland Park will have games, music, food, free rides and giveaways during their National Night Out.

Those going to Glen Ridge’s National Night Out will not only be able to play games but they will be able to go in the pool to beat the heat. Denville will have a special screening of Zootopia on an outdoor movie screen with free popcorn for the children.

Where is National Night Out?

Bergen County

Allendale
Carlstadt
Cliffside Park
Edgewater
Elmwood Park
Fair Lawn
Fort Lee
Garfield
Harrington Park
Hillsdale
Ho Ho Kus
Leonia
Little Ferry
Lodi
Maywood
New Milford
North Arlington
Palisades Park
Paramus
Ridgewood
Rutherford
Saddle Brook
South Hackensack
Teaneck
Upper Saddle River
Wallington
Westwood

Passaic County

Clifton
Woodland Park
Haledon
Hawthorne
Little Falls
Passaic
Paterson
Pompton Lakes
Prospect Park
Woodland Park

Essex County

Belleville
Cedar Grove
Fairfield
Glen Ridge
Millburn
Montclair

Morris County

Boonton
Butler
Chatham Township
Denville
Dover
Long Hill
Morris County Park Commission