2025 Gloucester Twp. Day in South Jersey postponed after threats online
GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Gloucester Township Day has been postponed indefinitely after more than 40 years.
Just as the date for this year's event was announced, police say plans for chaotic behavior similar to what happened in 2024 started to pop up online.
"Last year was just atrocious to see what was going on. To have my kids in the car watching the kids vandalize the store right here, it was disturbing," said Joseph Hughes.
Hughes remembers the crowds of young people gathering and fighting outside Gloucester Township Day event last June.
Family fun turned into mayhem as police say 500 hundred teens took over. There were a number of arrests and three police officers were injured trying to break up the crowds.
RELATED: New video shows mayhem by unruly teens; 12 arrested after multiple fights at Gloucester Township Day
This year, the event has been postponed indefinitely after concerning social media posts have circulated.
"Having seen the onslaught of concerning social media posts, we knew it was the right decision. Once having this knowledge, we could not take the risk that unruly mobs of juveniles would show up," said Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer.
Police say there are no amount of recourse that could curtail this behavior, as it extends to outside the designated fairground.
"I've seen the comments. People are telling us to deploy our armored rescued vehicle and police in riot gear. That's not the kind of resource I would deploy for a community event. And quite frankly, I think those comments are ridiculous," said Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins.
"It's definitely disheartening. Hopefully they can set up some measure and make sure the parents are held more accountable. Not dropping them off and saying, 'Hey, good luck!" said Joseph Hughes.
After last year's incident, the New Jersey legislature passed the Public Brawl Bill on March 24. It would create an offense of inciting a brawl and it upgrades penalty for engaging in disorderly conduct. The bill is waiting for Governor Phil Murphy's signature.
Gloucester Township Day benefits college scholarships for local students. Last year, $30,000 of the $40,000 raised came from the family fun day. The money collected last year will be distributed this year, but there will likely be far fewer recipients next year
