Gloucester Twp. Day Postponed Indefinitely Due To 'Credible Threats'

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township Day has been postponed indefinitely because of "credible threats" of violence at the township's biggest event of the year, officials said.

Gloucester Township Day was set to fall on June 7. Event organizers and local officials hoped to restore its safe, family-friendly atmosphere after last year's mayhem, when hundreds of people poured in late at night and erupted into brawls.

But two months ahead of this year's event, officials have postponed it until further notice.

The decision came after police reviewed social media posts containing credible threats of illegal and violent activity, according to the Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee.

"Given the disturbing nature of these threats, and our commitment to the safety of our community, postponement was deemed necessary," said Police Chief David Harkins.

No other information about the nature of the alleged threats was immediately available.

Gloucester Township Day has been a community staple for generations. Traditionally, the township gathers on the first Saturday of June for a full slate of family fun, which raises money for scholarships.

In past years, the event has ended with a nighttime spectacle. Last year, it was a drone show in lieu of the usual fireworks.

But about an hour before last year's drone show, hundreds of people — primarily teens — were dropped off near the Veterans Park festivities and began fighting soon after.

In an effort to prevent a repeat of last year's chaos, the township planned to end this year's Gloucester Township Day at 6 p.m. and forgo all nighttime activities.

But it's unclear what will come next for the township's largest annual gathering.

"Gloucester Township Day is a beloved tradition that brings our community together in celebration," said Mayor David Mayer. "However, we must take all potential threats seriously. Out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of all in mind, we are postponing this year's event until a later date."