Toms River Night Out Aims To Build Unity, Community

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River's National Night Out will be a celebration of community.

The police department combines its event with the TR UNITED Around the World event to promote a sense of community and honor the diversity of Toms River.

TR UNITED — Uniting Neighbors In Town Every Day — was created by Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little in 2018 to promote understanding and foster a sense of community.

The inaugural Around the World festival was held Labor Day weekend in 2019 and featured music, games, prizes, activities, food and a "passport" where visitors could stop at different tables learning about the different cultures represented in Toms River.

"The idea is to encourage everyone to learn about different cultures and traditions. When we embrace our diversity we often learn we are more alike than we are different," Little said of the 2019 event.

National Night Out, which started in the 1980s, is an effort to connect communities and law enforcement, which is why officials decided to combine the two events for 2021.

"National Night Out is a great community event that gives us the opportunity to spend quality time with the residents we serve," Toms River police said. "It will be a night to celebrate our community, family, and friends."

There will be lots of first responder displays, face-painting, games, food trucks, prizes, and DJ Tony Tunes.

The free event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 3. Huddy Park is at the corner of Main Street and Water Street.

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