Before the lightning and thunderstorms rained on everyone’s parade, people young and old came out to enjoy National Night Out events in Edison and Metuchen.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, according to information provided by the organization.
Edison sponsored its event on Aug. 7, which was held outside the municipal complex and at nearby Papaianni Park on Municipal Boulevard off of Route 27.
The event featured a visit by McGruff the Crime Dog and his Paw Patrol, free food, a video game trailer, police and fire equipment demonstrations, entertainment, information booths sponsored by the Recreation and Health departments, the town’s Clean Communities Program, various businesses and civic groups.
“Our National Night Out event is a terrific way for people and families to have fun, meet some of our police officers, firefighters and town employees, and learn about services that Edison offers,” Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey said.
Metuchen held its annual event on Aug. 7 at the Metuchen Municipal Pool on Lake Avenue.
The event featured photos with Metuchen police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS), a K-9 demonstration with the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, swimming, diving, food, giveaways from local businesses and organizations, entertainment, games and prizes.
“National Night Out is the perfect annual event that is community- and neighborhood-based for kids and their families to enjoy,” Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch said.
National Night Out in Metuchen was sponsored by the Metuchen Municipal Alliance, Police Benevolent Association, Police, Fire, EMS, Pool Commission, Recreation, Department of Public Works, Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce, METV, Metuchen Public Library, ADT Security Services, All State Insurance, Boy Scout Troop 14 of Metuchen, Brain Injury Alliance of NJ, Creative Sound Entertainment, Home Depot of Edison, Keller Williams Realty, La Rosa Pizzeria, Leah’s Catering, Metuchen Branch YMCA, Metuchen Savings Bank, photos by G. Brown, Satori Academy of Martial Arts, Title Boxing Club, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Wellspring Center for Prevention, Whole Foods Market, and Wisemind Center for Social and Emotional Learning.
