Fanwood’s finest were out in force for fun Tuesday night at the National Night Out celebration in LaGrande Park. The National Night out is a community-building event held across the country that brings police and first responders together with citizens to foster better understanding.
K9 officer Gialanella conducts demo.
“That’s what really makes a community strong if we know each other,” remarked Mayor Colleen Mahr. “Thank you for bringing your kids, your parents, thank you for coming out tonight.”
Absent last year due to the pandemic, Fanwood’s Night Out event returned with more kid-oriented events than ever including a bounce house, giant slide, baseball and basketball contests, and free food. Union County Sherriff’s Detective Anthony Gialanella presented a K9 demonstration with his dog, Rocco. The Fanwood Rescue Squad and Fanwood Fire Department hosted tours of their apparatus. The Union County Prosecutor’s office and Union County Corrections Department had giveaways.
Pie contest
The most popular events were the new pie-eating contest and the dunk tank with Sgt. Dan Piccola as the dunkee. Donated items included raffle prizes of a boy’s and girl’s bike, a goody bag including movie tickets, and kids’ bicycle helmets.
The event was made possible by donations from many local businesses and the Fanwood PBA and was supported by the Mayor and Borough Council, Fanwood Public Works, and Recreation Departments and Social Justice Matters, a local non-profit committed to active inquiry into matters of race and to working towards an equitable community.
