Catasauqua Borough Mayor Barbara Schlegel had no idea what the turnout would be for the borough’s inaugural National Night Out Against Crime celebration. The event was held Aug. 2 at the Catasauqua Municipal Complex, 90 Bridge St.

“I was a little nervous about people coming to our first NNO. My concern was no one would show up,” she told The Press.

A good crowd was on hand.

The National Night Out Against Crime is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. NNO was introduced in August 1984. A goal of NNO is to foster an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between police and the community.

Catasauqua police cars, firetrucks and an ambulance from Northampton Regional EMS were present. Jeffery Hoffman and Mark DeMasi, NREMS ambulance staff, handed out information about their services.

Members of the Catasauqua High School marching band were on hand to provide musical entertainment for attendees.

There were also kids’ games, a dunk tank and assorted displays from Catasauqua’s volunteer organizations. Catasauqua Police Chief Douglas Kish was seen emerging from the dunk tank - soaking wet.

Schlegel, with Tara Nicholas and other members of the planning committee, were serving pizza and other food items. She said she was excited about the success of the two-hour event, adding time flew by because of the amount of things to see and do, she said.

Longtime Catasauqua volunteers Kim Brubaker, with the Catasauqua Main Streets group, and Janice Lathrop, with Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, staffed display tables for their respective organizations.

Deb Mellish, former councilwoman, was also on hand to assist wherever she could.

Councilwoman Jill Smerdon and her husband, Shan, staffed the children’s duck pond.

Audrey Nemetz was seen at the face-painting table having a decorative picture painted on her face as her mom, Sarah, looked on.

By all accounts, the inaugural NNO was a success, with an upbeat and well-attended crowd that was provided with important safety information - a community strengthening experience that was a lot of fun for all ages.