Some tested their mettle and put their skills to the test as part of a police agility test.

Others opted to spend their time in mobile animal encounters where they got to see their favorites up close and personal.

Above all else, they were able to interact with the first responders in the community who are there to protect and serve the community.

Hosted by the Lehighton Borough Police Department, Lehighton Police Night Out was held Thursday at Baer Memorial Park and brought police and the community together in an attempt to make the community safer for all to reside.

Borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky welcomed those in attendance.

“Mingle with your local police (officers),” Abelovsky said. “Ask questions.”

Abelovsky said the event had a great turnout, and was confident the event would surpass last year’s attendance.

“The weather’s fantastic,” he said. “Last year, we had 1,200 (people); this year, I’m hoping for 1,400 to 1,500.”

Abelovsky said about 25 organizations in attendance provided free information for community-based services.

The Lehighton Indians Pride Marching Band performed with Above the Poconos Skydivers American Flag descent.

There was also an e-bike demonstration with the Lehighton Outdoor Center; a self defense/stranger danger/weaponry demonstration with Mountain Karate; a helicopter landing with Lehigh Valley Health Network; a K-9 demonstration with Bushkill Township Police; Taser demonstration with borough Mayor Ryan Saunders, and an announcement of contest winners.

Other activities included bounce houses, Handy’s Highland Homestead, Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, Concrete Jungle Skateboarding Half-Pipe, face-painting, coloring contest, a Scavenger Hunt, and an auto extrication.

Bentley Reese, of Lehighton, got a glimpse of what it would be like to become a police officer as he took part in the Police Agility Test.

As part of the experience, Bentley had to do push-ups, sit-ups, body drag, high jump, and chin-ups.

“It’s very hard,” said Bentley, 8. “It’s more fun, I always wanted to go on a mission.”

When asked which part of the Police Agility Test was the most difficult, Bentley replied “dragging the body.”

His parents, Steph and Brian Reese of Lehighton, agreed the event was great for everyone including Bentley, who said he wants to be a police officer when he grows up.

“They need more of this for the kids,” Steph Reese said. “I’m all for it.”

Elsewhere at another quadrant of the park, Connor Fital, 3, of Mahoning Township could be seen petting baby goats courtesy of Handy’s Highland Homestead, of Kunkletown, as part of the mobile animal encounters.

Vincent Fital, of Mahoning Township, said he believes the event is a tremendous asset to the community.

“It’s a nice event that the kids can all come to,” Vincent Fital said. “It’s very interactive, definitely good for the kids.”