Springfield to Host Union County's National Night Out

Union County residents and visitors can enjoy a night of free, family fun starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday when National Night Out comes to Springfield's Meisel Park.

“National Night Out is a great chance to enjoy an evening in the fresh air with family, friends, and neighbors, while becoming more familiar with the public resources and programs that help keep us safe and secure,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter in a press release. “I encourage everyone to come out and join in the festivities.”

Established in 1984 as a community partnership aimed at preventing crime and drug abuse, National Night Out will include live demonstrations from Union County’s Bomb Squad, SWAT team, and K-9 Unit. Two dozen police and emergency vehicles will also be on hand.

Among the many free activities for children and families are:

• inflatable rides 
• magic
• balloon art
• bubble mania 
• bingo
• crafts, and music
• hotdogs

As part of Union County’s summer Family Flix series, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be shown at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.). Free popcorn will provided to moviegoers.

“The Freeholder Board would also like to thank our sponsors for this event, who have pitched in to make it a truly memorable one,” said Carter in the release.

Contributing to the event this year, Target is providing free hotdogs and condiments along with a donation of charcoal for the grill, Shoprite of Clark is providing trays of cookies, AAA and Union Center National Bank have donated bike safety lights and helmets to raffle, and JMK BMW has donated two children’s bicycles to raffle, according to the press release.

Union County’s free Family Flix series continues on Aug. 13 with a screening of Madagascar 3 at Conant Park in Hillside, and the free Summer Arts outdoor concert series continues on Aug. 14, 21, and 28 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

For information on all Union County recreation programs and events call the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-527-4900 or visit online at ucnj.org/parks.