A Deptford firefighter sprays people with a hose to cool them down during the event on July 13.
The township hosted its annual Locust Grove block party on the afternoon of July 13, drawing hundreds of people to the area next to Clements Bridge Road, according to Mayor Paul Medany.
“It went great despite the overwhelming heat,” he said. “We had close to 500 people attend. It was a great turnout.”
To compensate for the heat, tents were set up, and the Blackwood Terrace Fire Company used one of its trucks to lightly spray people on a nearby sidewalk. The vehicle was also open to give people a glimpse at equipment and gear, and firefighters were on hand to speak with attendees on a variety of topics.
Deptford police officers – including Chief Joseph Smith and Capt. John Storms – were also present, along with Medany, Deputy Mayor Tom Hufnell and members of council.
“They (the police and fire department) showed up to greet folks,” Medany noted. “It’s also used as a recruiting tool, since most people don’t get to see a fire engine up close. The police also shuttled people back and forth to their cars in a nearby parking lot.
“It’s really good that (residents) get to speak with them (officers and firefighters) one on one,” he added, “since most people only get to (do that) in a bad situation. The (police) chief was there for several hours talking to people.”
The block party also featured a DJ, games for families, a balloon artist and crafts for kids. Food was provided by Mission BBQ.
The party is among events on the township’s summer schedule. Other include Christmas in July at the recreation center on Thursday; National Night Out at the same location on Tuesday, Aug. 6; and the senior summer fun day on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the community center.
“The block party brings the community together and gets people to meet other and make friends,” Medany said. “It’s about neighbors meeting neighbors, residents meeting the local administration. It was a good, old-fashioned neighborhood barbecue.”
