Berkeley's 'National Night Out' Coming Up On Wednesday Night

Berkeley Township, - Here's your chance to come out and see what your police officers and first responders do every day for you.

Berkeley will celebrate its fifth annual "National Night Out" on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Veterans Parkway in Bayville.

"All of the public safety organizations will be on hand to meet and greet residents and to show the different equipment they utilize," Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said. "All of these public safety agencies will have their vehicles and equipment on display as well."

The free event also features the country band "Yeehaw," which will start playing at 7:30 p.m.

There will also be plenty of activities for kids, including a bike rodeo. All children who come with bikes and helmets can participate. Each child will receive a coupon to a local ice cream shop as part of the township's summer "Get Caught Being Good" program.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit and the county SWAT team will provide demonstrations. The Sheriff's Department will also provide free child identifications.

Weather permitting, a New Jersey State Police helicopter crew will show up and give residents a closer look at the helicopter and demonstrations.

The township's Municipal Alliance and DARE program will provide games and prizes for children. PBA Local 237 has provided inflatable slides, sumo wrestling suits and a rock wall, all free of charge.

"Please come on out for a great evening and bring a chair," Amato said. "Refreshments are always provided by our area non-profit groups that use these concerts as fundraisers for their organizations."