From Forgotten Felines and Fidos volunteers, who picked up trash during Night in the Country, to Keller Funeral Home, which gave a monetary donation, the event was truly a community coming together for the annual Aug. 16 celebration.

All 18 light towers were donated by several companies and the Northwestern Youth Athletic Association, which owns four.

In addition to Keller's $300 donation, Nestlé Waters North America and New Tripoli Bank each donated $500.

The Rotary Club of Allentown West set up an emergency shelter and Wendy Kovich's NYAA field hockey team picked up trash the following day.

Groups that helped out received a donation, expected to go to their organization. The American Cancer Society received $300 for taking admissions, the Science Olympians, $300 for parking cars for the cruise; cheerleaders, $200; and Forgotten Felines, $200

Lowhill Township Supervisor Buddy Wessner donated everything his stand made, $760, to the recreation commission.

Although a zombie paint ball game was planned, the event became a zombie maze.

The Krysta Hankee family made more than $900 for the foundation. The Hankees will make the amount an even $1,000 for the family of the late Sandy Roberts, who died at the age of 39.

Lehigh Valley Press and the Northwestern Press donates half the cost of the $1,000 ad in the weekly paper for "Night."

Crowds were there early, said Kathy Hermany, chair of the "Night" committee.

Terry Frana, a resident, set up all the light towers.

A popular new attraction was a mechanical bull named Green's Tough Enough. Long lines of cowboy wannabes waited to try their skill at bullriding.

Regarding the fireworks, comments indicated they met all expectations. There was a fireball among the fireworks which was a total surprise. Many people were overheard making positive comments about the event.

The firefighters' competition was considered "awesome" by at least one spectator.

"Night benefits a lot of people. All sites were filled and many vendors sold out," reported Hermany.

Rec Commission President Don Link thanked everyone who pitched in, as he was taking his son to college and missed "Night" for the first time.

In other business, a facilities request was received from the school to use the field for its annual bonfire. No burning of furniture and garbage is allowed and the user has to clean up.

Using urethane paint has driven the cost of painting the dugouts higher. Materials will cost $240 and 24 hours of labor is anticipated.

NYAA will pay the materials and $200 toward labor.

Northwestern Lehigh School District Activities Director Jason Zimmerman is making a video of the proper method of caring for the fields.

The jumpy animal rides at the lower playground were painted by high school students.

The rec commission will buy a pressure washer to clean the pavilions when there are parties.

A 10-page memorandum of understanding for five local constables gives them more authority to take action.

After long discussion, the rec commission board decided to not increase the list of rules and regulations, though the present signs may be enhanced.

Lynn Township representative Justin Smith said a dog park is being considered for Ontelaunee Park.

Area residents also are interested in more music and a pool.