Catasauqua firefighters bring out the “big guns” by opening a fire hose on the participants. PRESS PHOTOS BY DONNA GEWERTZ

Kids - some sporting war paint, courtesy of face-painting volunteers - charge their competition during the Sept. 12 Battle of the Balloons at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. The water balloon battle pitted local youths against public safety officials in a friendly, soaking-wet fundraiser.

Catasauqua Police Chief Doug Kish takes a direct hit from a water balloon, while Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Savercool opens himself up as a target.

Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel acknowledges Bella, who receives a bouquet of roses from a Battle of the Balloons committee member, for coming up with the idea of the community get-together.

Young Battle of the Balloons participants reload with “ammunition.”

Kish waves the winning flag after the police and fire department team was able to capture the flag the most times during the battle.

Catasauqua and North Catasauqua firefighters take aim during the water balloon battle.

Referee Shan Smerdon gets the kids ready for the battle. The event was a success and is planned to be the inaugural event of many to support the Friends of the Catasauqua Park group's goal to raise funds to reopen the Catasauqua Pool, which is in need of renovations.