Event Recap: National Night Out 2026

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Charlotte Ersalesi

The Rutherford Police Department held its Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th. Many residents and their families enjoyed free entertainment, including bouncy houses, rock climbing walls, food trucks, and music. Many community organizations set up tables with giveaways and resources, including Mission Kids Success, Alfred M. Fiume Foundation, American Legion, Scouts and Cub Scouts, Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Meadowlands, Women's Club, Lions Club, and the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce.

A number of businesses also participated in the event, such as MJ Dog Spa and Playhouse, BCB Bank, Rutherford Schoolhouse, and Geria Dermatology. The DOJO's Martial Arts students did a demonstration and dancers from Backstage Performing Arts Center performed some of their routines. Local band, Foul play, performed throughout the evening.

The Rutherford Health Department, Green Team, and Recreation Department set up tables with giveaways for children and adults. Other health and mental health organizations, such as CBH Care, Bergen County Community Mental Health Services, Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence, and Mid Regional Bergen, also provided resources to the community. Many different police organizations, including Bergen County Sheriff's Department K-9 Officer, BCPO, Port Authority PD, NJSP, US Park Police, Rutherford PBA, Bergen County Sheriff's Department K-9 Officer, and the Rutherford Police Department had demonstrations and freebies. The Army National Guard and National Guard also participated.