Walking past the police station late Tuesday night, I couldn’t help but notice the commotion. The air buzzed with activity, despite the sun already setting in the distance, as children and adults of all ages roamed the streets of Tenafly for Community Night. The smell of grilled foods mixed with savory empanadas and sweet treats filled the air, accompanied by laughter, music, and an occasional squeal from the carnival rides.
Now in its 11th year, Community Night has become more than just a block party; it’s a tradition. For many families, attending the event every September marks the unofficial start of fall festivities as the leaves begin to change colors. This event has grown with the town, becoming an integral part of the community life.
Stretching from the police station to Griffin Park, small tables and tents lined the streets, each representing a different business. While tables such as Spring House and Yasou Santorini offered freshly cooked food for hungry passerbys, the Tenafly Nature Center brought their very own owl and snake to pet and play with. Tents set up ranging from Honda of Tenafly to Kids Kingdom, the event was a wonderful way for everyone to showcase their work.
For local businesses, Tuesday didn’t just provide visibility—it created lasting connections. Every year, many vendors find new passersby who later become frequent customers.
Jenny Jackson, the president of the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the impact of Community Night across the board: “Setting up a chamber tent allows our members to promote their businesses while also promoting the work that the chamber does and the events that we plan, including the Fall Fest, Holiday Fair, and the Spring Fling.” Looking to the future, the Chamber plans similar events for upcoming seasons.
Beyond the booths, Community Night also provided an opportunity to highlight the many people who continue to keep Tenafly up and running. Local police officers and firefighters handed out hats, while the UPS booth handed out bubble wrap for children to play with. The Tenafly Volunteer Ambulance, or TVAC, even offered a one-of-a-kind experience: teaching CPR to save a life. These interactions provided residents with an opportunity to build lasting bonds with the workers who serve our town.
However, the event wasn’t just limited to businesses and services; there was something for everyone. From carnival rides with spinning carts to a woman on stilts juggling, and even Snow White wandering the streets, the whole family was pleased. What really stood out was the diversity of the crowd. Toddlers clutching balloons and their lollipops, teenagers collecting goodies from each table, and the parents socializing.
“Every year we get to join all of the other Tenafly organizations and businesses to show off the community spirit that makes our town unique,” Jackson said. The 2025 Community Night truly lived up to its name, welcoming every generation and fostering a place where everyone belonged.
