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National Night Out is Tuesday and area municipalities have lined up an array of fun and educational celebrations.

Created as a way for law enforcement and their support agencies to unite with the public, local business, and youth and other local organizations to heighten a community’s awareness of crime and drug prevention initiatives, said Asbury Park National Night Out organizer Sgt. Terry Williams [shown in feature photo].

In Asbury Park the event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the municipal lot, located at 1 Municipal Plaza.

“The Asbury Park National Night Out celebration will be a block party type of event, featuring music, free food, free games and attractions for kids, and with many give-a ways, to include bicycles and gift cards,” Williams said in a written statement. “Also there will be a multitude of networking opportunities for adults seeking different types of assistance from the numerous informational vendors.”

Asbury Park has been participating in the National Night Out Celebration for over 15 years, Williams said. This year, the event is hosted in partnership by Acting Chief Anthony Salerno, Acting Deputy Chief David Kelso, Acting Captain Guy Thompson, Williams, and the Asbury Park Community Relations Unit.

In Deal, police officials said, “This is a great opportunity to meet members of our department and to learn about our equipment and services.”

The Deal Police Department hosts this event, with participation from the Deal Fire Department and Deal First Aid, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Deal Casino Beach Club, located 125 Ocean Ave.

This year, the Deal Police will promote its bicycle registration program.

The entertainment includes a live performance by Suspended Justice and Bubbles and Sudz the Clown with balloon twisting and airbrush tattoos. Kosher food vendors, giveaways, a children’s bounce house and Monster water slide add to the offerings. There will be a K-9 presentation, Coast Guard helicopter landing, emergency response vehicle presentation and car seat safety demonstration, officials said.

For Ocean Grove residents, The Neptune Police Department hosts its National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. at Midtown Community Elementary School, located at 1155 Corlies Ave.

A Bicycle Raffle of the over 20 bikes donated by the local Walmart, as well as free food and drinks donated by the Ocean Township and prepared by Theo’s BBQ add to the event highlights.

Aside from a host of games, there will be a police car and firetruck display, firehose spray-down, and rock climbing wall.

In Ocean Township, the Police Department joins its community partners in hosting the event from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wegmans, located at 1104 Route 35.

Aside from the food and entertainment offerings, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s K-9 unit will be in attendance and the Wanamassa and Oakhurst Fire Department apparatus will be on display.

[Photo courtesy of APTV]

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