Join the Burlington Township Police and Fire Departments for this annual event on Aug 1.
As the calendar slowly moves closer to August, a nationwide event will take place once again.
National Night Out has been a growing event in the United States since 1984, and since 2009 Burlington Township has participated.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighbor camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.
Aug. 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is the date of the event, and the day after, Burlington Township officials start planning for the following year’s event.
“We do an after-action review the day after National Night Out to determine what went well, where we can improve logistically, what did people enjoy, what did they not enjoy,” Lt. James Sullivan said. “Planning really ramps up in January and February as far as locking down vendors and displays.”
The event is designed for all ages, and has recently relocated to Green Acres Park from Sylvan Lake to accommodate the number of attendees.
Food vendors, live music, a dunk tank, a car show, and face painting are among numerous activities that will be available for all ages as the police department also looks to strengthen its bond with members of the community. The Burlington Township Food Pantry will also be in attendance to take canned food donations.
“Approximately 40 businesses and vendors participate in this event, which is a great amount,” Sullivan said. “The reception since we started participating in this event has been outstanding, and we expect it to improve.”
Chick-Fil-A, Kona Water Ice, Red Bull and Shoprite are just four sponsors that help donate to this yearly event.
Between 3,000 to 5,000 members of the community attended the event a year ago, according to the Burlington Township Police Department.
The event gives members of the community as well as local business owners the chance to get to know law enforcement officials better. Townspeople can ask questions regarding the township itself, or just enjoy some fun in the company of others.
“It’s awesome to see the community engaging as a whole, and we try to make this event even better each year,” Sullivan said. “We also solicit input from the community for any changes they would like to see, plus our officers also add their ideas in, too.”
With plenty of food and entertainment options available, the event again should be a hit within the community.
Burlington Township is just one of many towns in Burlington County to take part in this event, as it continues to put community relationships first in line.
“Every year has been fantastic, and we hope the community continues to come out again this year,” Sullivan said. “Then on Aug. 2, we will start planning for the following year to make it even better.”
For more information regarding the National Night Out, call (609)386–2019, email fhazzard72@burltwppd.com or check https://www.facebook.com/Burlington-Township-Police-Department-374465402709718/.
