Catasauqua Borough Councilwoman Tara Nicholas was all smiles as she watched kids having a great time at the annual Battle of the Balloons event, held Sept. 7 at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St.

On hand, on a beautiful late summer day, were Nicholas, her team, Catasauqua Fire Department and officers from Catasauqua and North Catasauqua police departments.

The event formula was simple — balloons filled with water placed in small swimming pools separated about 30 yards, a referee and hula hoops spread around the green space. The referee wearing a black-and-white-striped official’s shirt was Shan Smerdon.

Smerdon and Catasauqua Councilwoman Jill Smerdon did an excellent job keeping the water battles running smoothly. The kids had to get a water balloon and run to a hula hoop with a foot or feet in the hula hoop for the child to throw the water balloon.

North Catasauqua police Officer Samuel Safadi joined in the battles using his adult skills to avoid any balloons hitting him while in uniform. Catasauqua police Officer Jenna Potak chose to observe the water battles in order to remain dry.

Catasauqua Borough Public Works Department employee Mike Silin assisted Nicholas as needed. Dillon Hartranft, Jacob Scheirer and Branden Takacs, from Catasauqua Fire Department, brought a large fire truck to the event.

Background music was played. Two large inflatable water slides were placed in the green space that was once the municipal pool area. The water slides were a popular place for the kids after the balloon battles.

There were refreshments, including hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks, for the kids and their parents.

Nicholas noted this was the first Battle of the Balloons that was free to attend. In previous years, there was a $5 cost to participate in the event. She hopes to keep the event an annual happening.

The funding for this year’s event was covered by the Friends of Catasauqua Parks group, which recently ceased operations.