No 'National Night Out' In Cranford In August; Here's Why

CRANFORD, NJ — After canceling their National Night Out Against Crime last year due to coronavirus, several area towns are hosting their event this coming Tuesday, but Cranford is holding off.

"This year, we will not be hosting a traditional National Night Out event in August, but we plan on putting a community-event together for the fall," said Cranford Det. Lt. Matthew Nazzaro, a department spokesman. "We typically see very large crowds at these annual summer events and wanted to ensure that we hosted a responsibly-sized event as we continue to slowly emerge from the pandemic-restrictive environment."

Want to win Six Flags Great Adventure Season Passes? Here's how.

While the number of new cases of coronavirus has declined due to the vaccine, the Delta variant has been spreading rapidly, mostly affecting unvaccinated people, but also affecting vaccinated people in what's been termed "breakthrough cases." READ MORE: 'Breakthrough' COVID-19 Cases, Deaths In NJ: Here's What To Know

Medical professionals say the vaccine is 95 percent effective against the virus and reduces the chance of hospitalization and death for those who get it. But children under 12 still cannot be vaccinated for the virus, and may not be eligible until winter.

READ MORE: COVID Hospitalizations Spike In NJ As Delta Variant Spreads

More On Local National Night Out

Nearby towns that will host a National Night Out next Tuesday include Summit and Westfield.

Regarding Cranford's fall event, "Once we settle on a date, we will certainly [release] information," Nazzaro said.

While many areas hold their National Night Out events on the first Tuesday in August, the state of Texas and other communities celebrate the first Tuesday in October, according to the National Night Out website.

The organization states that the annual event "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."

Enter Patch's Great Subscriber, Great Adventure contest and you could win two season passes to Six Flags Great Adventure.

Want updates on breaking news when it happens? You can sign up for occasional breaking news alerts in Cranford, or for a daily newsletter at 6 a.m. each morning with local news. Don't miss the stories your neighbors are talking about! Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.