Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents were encouraged to join their neighbors and local enforcement to celebrate the 29th Annual National Night Out against crime last night.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, according to the NATW website.

Both Scotch Plains and Fanwood hosted evening festivities in celebration of the event.

From 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fanwood residents met with public safety professionals at La Grande Park while enjoying free food, beverages, games, and prizes. The evening continued with a free summer movie under the stars, Dolphin Tale. 

In Scotch Plains, members of the community celebrated with local public safety professionals on the Village Green at the Municipal Building from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents enjoyed rides, food, and demonstrations from the Scotch Plains Police Department Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, SWAT and K-9 Unit. Children can "dunk a cop" this year, and the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad and Fire Dept also demonstrated their equipment.

Do you have photos from either of last night's events? Upload them here.