TENAFLY, N.J.—When it comes to community festivals, Tenafly really knows how to bring out the crowds!
At the borough’s 7th Annual Tenafly Community Night Out on Sept. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., over 1,000 residents and visitors were treated to free food, music, games, a carnival ride, a rock climbing wall, martial arts demonstrations and art work. The event was sponsored by the Tenafly Police Department and the Tenafly Recreation Center.
Community Night Out is Tenafly’s most festive family-friendly event and this year did not disappoint. Over 70 local vendors had exhibits and booths spread out up and down Riveredge Road and the Fire Department and Police Department welcomed the public.
Police Sgt. Nicholas Roux, who organized the event, explained, “I purposely chose to hold this event in early September because people are back from their summer vacation and the weather is still warm.”
Roux, who came with his wife, daughter and son, added, “Tenafly’s law enforcement and emergency service staff as well as the business community love to interact with our residents.”
As such, 20 police officers, more than a dozen firefighters and 10 volunteer ambulance EMTs chatted with youngsters and invited them to climb into their equipment. A brigade of young boys showed off their orange Fire Department backpacks, toddlers were allowed to sit behind the wheel of a large fire engine and teenage girls took turns sitting on a police motorcycle. Even the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department was on hand to greet attendees.
Attendees also received brochures and advice about safety issues.
Many of the police officials have come to Community Night Out every year since it began.
Tenafly Police Chief Robert Chamberlain, Lt. Michael Greeley and Sgt. Roux greeted residents throughout the evening. Other officers, such as Capt. Michael Demoncada, manned a large grill to cook franks, hamburgers and cheeseburgers.
Nearby, Elks from the Tenafly Elks Lodge #2271 also grilled hamburgers. By 7 p.m., “Elks Exalted Leader Maureen Ray announced, “We gave out 250 burgers! It was great!”
As visitors strolled up Riveredge Road, they also tasted samples of other foods from dozens of local restaurants and stores.
There was plenty of entertainment as well. The School of Rock Band performed throughout the evening.
A dramatic presentation by students of all ages from Triumph Tae Kwon showed off their skills with great precision to a large crowd of spectators.
“Community Night Out has become a wonderful tradition in Tenafly,” Mayor Peter Rustin said. “It brings people together, young and old. It has something for everyone.”
That was apparent throughout the evening. From dozens of frolicking youngsters to an elderly couple married 47 years who sat on a bench quietly holding hands, it was a beautiful night to remember.