If you heard music coming from the area of Roe Park in Highland Falls last Friday evening; if you couldn’t get a parking spot anywhere near the park; and if, at about 8 p.m. you saw lots of happy kids streaming from the park, you might want to know why.

It was ‘Kids’ Night’ at the park, put on by the Town of Highlands Recreation Department. It was the second annual such event – but last year it didn’t draw quite as large of a crowd because it was held on a hot Saturday afternoon. This year, Recreation Director Aaron Falk got lucky, Friday evening’s weather was perfect, and kids were in the mood to play! (As were their parents, and grandparents … the playground, pavilion, fields, and even pool had lots of adults enjoying the nice evening too!)

The Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery Fire Departments were on hand (cornhole, anyone?); the Highland Falls and Town of Highlands Police were on hand (maybe a little basketball?); there were grilled hotdogs and the trimmings free to all (cooked by volunteers); there were soapy Slip & Slides set up (incredibly popular for those who didn’t mind getting wet!); the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps was on hand; some inflatables were in place to keep the kids busy; there were crafts provided by the Highland Falls Library; music all evening by DJ RedBottom; and games and activities set up all around the softball field.

Falk, as the event wound down, said he was thrilled with the turnout and hope it gave local kids “one more fun community event” before schools reopen on September 4.

Speaking of fun events, there’s more kid-oriented fun planned for Saturday, August 31, when the Town of Highlands Community Resiliency Coalition hosts a Back-to-School Party on Muller Ave. in Highland Falls, in front of St. John’s AME Zion Church. There will be hamburgers and hot dogs, some school supplies and backpacks to give out; music, again, by DJ RedBottom; and more. It’s from 2-5 p.m. and is happening with the support of local individuals, businesses and community groups, including St. John’s Soldiers 4 Life, Hudson Valley Women’s Association, Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Afro American Men’s Club, NCAAP of Highland Falls & Newburgh, American Legion Post 622, Single Moms Making Moves, N. Sporbert Tax Service and the West Point Commissary.