The threat of rain did not deter a Macungie community from coming out to observe and participate in the annual National Night Out Aug. 6.

The event was held at The Ridings at Brookside in Macungie. Adults and children celebrated the annual National Night Out by meeting state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-187th, Macungie Borough Police Department officers, members of the Lower Macungie Fire Department and members of the Macungie Ambulance Corp. It was also an opportunity to meet neighbors.

Police officers were on hand to talk to adults and children. Children were excited to meet officers, sit in the police car and see the flashing lights.

Children enjoyed getting a firefighter helmet to wear, sitting in the fire truck and checking out the apparatus with members of the Lower Macungie Fire Department. They could climb up into the ambulance and have paramedic Dan Brown explain the inside of an ambulance and the importance of the ambulance.

About 116 residents attended and enjoyed hot dogs, snacks, ice cream and games. Prizes were a fun addition at the end of the evening for all who received a raffle ticket when signing in for the event.

National Night Out was founded by Matt Peskin and started in 1984 as an annual community building campaign event promoting police and community partnerships. Originally developed as a crime-prevention program it emphasizes building a partnership between the police and community and promotes neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. National Night Out is held in communities the first Tuesday of August every year in the United States and Canada.