The annual “Out of the Darkness” walk has two common denominators since its inception three years ago: a great turnout of people and rain.

This year’s event, held by the group Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet, was no different.

Several hundred people attended the Out of the Darkness walk at the Owl Creek Reservoir, which featured games for children with prizes, free refreshments for the youngsters, face painting, live music and give-away items such as pens and notepads.

Highlights were a candlelight walk held during the afternoon, a butterfly release and various speakers who discussed alcoholism, drug abuse and abusive behavior.

Speakers included former NFL football star Vance Johnson, Travis Snyder of Skook Recovers, Bill Stauffer of the Pennsylvania Recovery Organization Alliance and Robert Bedford of Steeping Stones Recovery Houses.

Johnson, a wide receiver in college with Arizona, played professional football for the Denver Broncos.

Vance admitted on national TV to abusing his ex-wife and other women in his life. He is currently an advocate for addiction recovery for athletes’ post career.

The free refreshments including sno cones, popcorn and ice cream.

Bands included Boys Upstairs and Flint Face.

Nina Poslosky, a board member of Safer Street for Tamaqua’s Little Feet, said the event was moved to Owl Creek after two years as a solemn evening walk along Broad Street in Tamaqua.

She said last year 650 people participated despite on-and-off rain.

This year was no different weather-wise as periodic rain fell throughout the seven hours that the event was held.