South River police and residents will enjoy a night out Aug. 4

By MICHAEL NUNES
Staff Writer

SOUTH RIVER – South River police will be holding the fifth annual National Night Out event on Aug. 4.

The event will be held at Seven Acres Park on Whitehead Avenue, with festivities slated to begin at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.

The event, sponsored by the South River Police Department, is meant to foster positive interaction between the department and the community.

“Partnership with the community is very important to our police department,” said Lt. John McKenna.

According to McKenna, the event helps to show that the borough police and residents are united in efforts to keep the community safe.

“That’s what this event is about, showing that we are a united front against crime.”

Activities will include a movie showing at 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and/or blankets. There will also be food vendors, music and a dunk tank.

Officials also encourage event-goers to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the South River Food Bank.

National Night Out is an event created by the National Association of Town Watch, according to the website, to “promote in- volvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”

The event has been held annually in towns throughout the county since its creation in 1984. According to the website, 16,124 communities have taken part in the event, which is traditionally held on the second Tuesday in August.

There is no rain date for the event.