Mount Olive’s National Night Out returns Aug. 2 | Mount Olive Chronicle News

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. – Get ready for still more fun when township police host National Night Out from 6 to 10 pm on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Road.

The free event, which drew hundreds last year, will include pony rides, slide and obstacle inflatables, Rizzo’s Reptiles, Remax hot air balloon rides, a dunk tank, games, music, food, drink, fireworks – and a special appearance by the always popular New Jersey Air National Guard Black Hawk helicopter.

Dogs seeking their “forever home” will also be with members of 11th Hour Rescue and Cold Nose Warm Heart.

In case of rain, the fun will move to Wednesday, Aug. 3.

The National Night Out program was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984. It serves to foster crime and drug prevention awareness and promotes positive police-community partnerships. The event, now an annual celebration, was canceled last year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the National Night Out website, the event is meant to be a community-building campaign “that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”

According to the website, “Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, US territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.”