National Night Out becoming a big deal in Ventnor

Last Updated on Thursday, August 09, 2012 09:26 am Written by SHAUN SMITH Wednesday, August 08, 2012 03:41 pm

VENTNOR – The fifth annual National Night Out brought the community out for fun at the beachfront park Tuesday, Aug. 7.

Supercan, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s mascot, was popular with the kids. Monica Coffey of Margate, communications manager for ACUA, had free pamphlets and information for residents.

The Ventnor Police Department provided parents with free fingerprinting of kids, and the kids got to climb around in police vehicles.

The Ventnor City Fire Department brought a ladder engine and fire hats for all the youngsters who wanted to climb in the cab.

John Hungerduhler of Pleasantville and Last Minute Entertainment had a long line of children waiting to receive a balloon animal, hat or even fishing pole complete with a large catch.

Ventnor City Police Capt. Doug Biagi said 1,200 came out for the event.

“It’s a wonderful thing. It kind of evolved from a Ventnor thing to where people from Atlantic City and Margate come down for a clean, healthy, fun time and to see friends and neighbors they haven’t seen for a while,” Biagi said.

He said more than 10 members of the police department volunteered during the event.

“It’s amazing. I can’t be prouder of a department when guys are willing to help out on their own time, and a lot of them brought their families with them.”

He said National Night Out is becoming one of the premier events in town, next to the annual holiday parade.

Sponsors for the event included Ventnor Drug and Alcohol Alliance, Ventnor Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Local 97, Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Local 38, the North Beach Residents’ Committee, Ventnor Beautification Committee, the Ventnor Special Events Committee, and the Ventnor City Public Works Department, Ventnor Office of Emergency Management. Ice cream was provided by Ventnor Veterans Ice Cream and Marcacci Meat Market supplied hot dogs.

Photos by Shaun Smith