Saturday was a special day in Palmerton for both kids and first responders.

The third annual Heroes Day was held at the Grove Pavilion at the Palmerton Pool, with kids turning out to meet some of the community’s heroes.

“We brought in the firefighters, the ambulance drivers, EMT’s, and police officers for the kids to get to meet and greet, check out their equipment and vehicles,” said event coordinator Jennifer Hollenbach. “We have free food and gift bags for the heroes.

“It’s kind of like a big picnic but for the heroes of our community.”

The Palmerton Fire Department, Palmerton Police, Lehighton Ambulance, and Palmerton Ambulance had personnel and vehicles on hand for the children to tour and climb into.

The personnel for the departments gave demonstrations of what they do as part of their work.

Three years ago, Hollenbach decided she wanted to do something for the area’s first responder.

“I just thought it would be fun for the kids to meet the heroes, the first responders,” she said.