National Night Out is an annual event aimed at promoting a sense of community between law enforcement and the residents served in their neighborhoods. The events are held nationwide on the first Tuesday of August.

Residents of Emmaus came out on a comfortable summer evening to interact with their local enforcement and emergency personnel Aug. 5. They had the opportunity to explore the various trucks used that included diggers, rescue vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances.

Representatives for the various emergency departments were visible throughout the evening program talking with residents and even being dunked in a water tank. Numerous organizations were also available sharing information about their programs including the Emmaus Rotary Club and Lions Clubs of Emmaus, BSA Troop 80 and St. Luke’s University Health Network, to name a few.

Resident Ariel Scholz who lives within walking distance of the event shared, “This is the largest I have ever seen this event. It used to be just on Jubilee Street and now it also includes Fourth Street.”

Entertainment and information tables even stretched to include the Triangle. Hundreds of residents came out 6-8:30 p.m. to meet, interact with and appreciate their law enforcement and emergency workers.

As you entered Jubilee and Fourth streets, diggers blocked the roads and families could be seen checking out the large construction vehicles. The streets were lined with fire trucks, police and rescue vehicles as well as antique cars and Corvettes.

At the Upper MIlford’s Citizen fire truck, you could meet a family who has served the community for three generations, and possibly four. “Pappy” Fritz Fegley followed in his father Karl’s footsteps becoming a firefighter. His son, Karl then followed in his footsteps. Karl’s sons Sawyer and Hudson Fegley spend much of their time around the fire trucks. Perhaps one day they might follow in their dad’s footsteps serving four generations?

Complimentary hot dogs were served in front of the police station. DJ Dutch provided music while Bluey and the Emmaus High School Hornet danced with the crowds. Bounce houses and games for all ages such as fast pitches, handcuff toss and rock climbing could be found throughout the area around Emmaus Borough Hall. Ambulance Chief Adam Priest sat in the dunk tank as many youth took their chances at getting him to fall in the water. Michael Schmeltzle was one of the young people whose aim hit that target allowing Priest to cool off in the tank on the warm summer evening.

BSA Troop 80 was on the street offering s’mores while Skriletz Racing handed out T-shirts as visitors learned about Quartermidget racing.

The Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo had many creatures available for visitors to enjoy such as chickens, European fawns, rabbits, goats and even “Dozer” the tortoise. The animals are all rescues or had been born on the farm.

Visitors could participate in a scavenger hunt visiting numerous stands to earn prizes.

The Emmaus Veterans Committee was selling raffle tickets to raise money for their programs.

In the Triangle, Allentown native and Parkland graduate Seth Witcher could be heard playing a variety of music including “We’re All Human,” an original song. Also performing at Musikfest in August, Witcher splits his time between Allentown and Nashville. A guest commented, “Emmaus loves him. We are fortunate that he was able to participate in tonight’s program.”

As the program ended and visitors were heading to their cars, these emergency personnel were flagged down for help. A female teen who had been skateboarding down Moyer Street was injured and lying in the alley in a pool of blood. A neighbor who heard her cry for help assisted until EMS arrived on the scene. Some people got to see first hand the quick action of the first responders as they cared for the girl.