Tamaqua got a jump- start on its National Night Out, scheduling the event’s start for 5 p.m. Tuesday.

It was just enough time to have the community visit members of the Tamaqua Police Department, which hosted the event, and see emergency vehicles from Tamaqua’s fire companies and Tamaqua Ambulance Association.

And then the rains came.

But despite the stormy weather, visitors could still enjoy free hot dogs and popcorn served up by Mayor Nathan Gerace and Officer Thomas Rodgers, or even top free ice cream with a variety of goodies. Coffee and drinks were complimentary, too, and served by the staff of Hope & Coffee in Tamaqua.

“I am pleased with the community involvement with National Night Out and the great response from the public who have stopped by,” Gerace said.

While skies were still rain-free, children could enjoy a bounce house and inspect fire apparatus, like Jaxxon Spairana, of Tamaqua, did.

At 2 years old, Jaxxon, the son of Korey and Terri Spairana, was not as tall as the tires on the South Ward Fire Company’s Type V engine.

The event also brought New Roots Recovery Center and St. Luke’s University Health Network. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections also sent a crew, who handed out coloring books and other fun materials to youths.