Coaldale’s celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday had lots of highlights. McGruff the Crime Dog was there. So was Smokey Bear for his 75th birthday. A magic show was featured.

It was the grand finale that youngsters visiting the event obviously enjoyed the most. It was a water balloon fight with police officers.

About 30 youngsters of all ages pelted — and were also on the receiving end — of water balloons with Coaldale Chief of Police Keith Krapf, officers Ryan Oldt, Matt Jungbaer and Aaron Koehler, Mayor Herb Whildin, and firefighter Seth Harkins.

Although most of the activities for the second annual event were moved inside the Coaldale Complex because of a concern for rain, the balloon fight was held on the playground basketball court. Each side — the police on one and the children on the other — had a tub full with water-filled balloons.

The participants lined up at each side of the far end of the court. On command, they raced to center court where the tubs were positioned.

“It was fun,” said Mark Smith, 8. “I hit officer Oldt right in the chest with a balloon.”

Dave Boyle, chairman of the Coaldale Watch Committee, said he was pleased with the turnout by both residents and participating organizations.

“I think we had better attendance than last year,” he said. “I think the highlights were the water balloon fight and the magic show.”

The magic show was held by John Bonner, who was attired in a traditional magician’s outfit. Besides doing rope tricks, pulling rabbits out of his hat and other up-the-sleeve antics, Bonner also had numerous audience participation segments, getting children involved in his show.

Parked outside the Coaldale Complex was apparatus from the Coaldale Fire Department, ambulances from Lehighton Ambulance Association and vehicles from the Coaldale Police Department. Visitors to the Night Out were encouraged to climb on the vehicles.

The Lehighton Ambulance Corps also had members inside the complex, handing out emergency care cards, coloring books with an ambulance theme, first aid kits and pens. They also answered questions about ambulance services. The members who participated were Dawn Benner, George Herring and Kristopher Zeller.

The Coaldale Police Department presented flags, pens, pencils, children ID cards, cardboard police cruisers that the children could build and clear cups that turned blue when cold water was added.

The Coaldale Fire Department had helmets and fire prevention material for distribution.

St. Luke’s University Health Network offered free blood pressure screenings and gave out first aid kits.

The Coaldale Night Out committee gave out free hot dogs and water to the visitors.

Boyle said that children attending were given “passports.” The took these cards to each station and had them punched. After visiting all the stations, they put their passport into a container where a drawing was held for door prizes.