An old-fashioned block party was held in Coaldale this past weekend, the kind where friends and neighbors socialize and where a great assortment of foods was enjoyed.

Children enjoyed the rides and a petting zoo. Live music was played during all three days of the event.

It was the annual Coal Crackin’ Rock the Block, organized jointly by Coaldale’s C.H.O.S.E. and the Coaldale Fire Company. Proceeds benefit both organizations.

Rock the Block featured cornhole games, a Chinese auction, raffles, a beer garden and arts and crafts.

A highlight on Saturday was a firetruck parade featuring apparatus from about 15 fire departments. The trucks drove around the streets of Coaldale with sirens wailing, then parked at the fire company where awestruck youngsters could admire them. Some ambulance units also participated as did the Coaldale Police Department.

Angela Krapf, representing C.H.O.S.E., and Steven Polischak, Coaldale Fire Chief, were both pleased with the turnout and the success of Rock the Block.

“During the event we had no rain,” said Polischak. He said it rained Saturday morning but by the time the festival began the rain had ended.

Temperatures were ideal during the duration.

Kraft said she enjoys helping. Asked what she liked best about Rock the Block, she said, “Just having everybody come here is my favorite thing; people from all different communities.”

A big hit, especially for children, was the free petting zoo by Sunset Boarding Stables of Tamaqua.

Besides having a riding pony, children could feed hungry goats, pet soft rabbits and greet a donkey named Pablo. This is the second year the Sunset Boarding Stables had animals at the event.

Several other community organizations also capitalized on Rock the Block. Among them were the Panther Valley High School cheerleaders, who sold homemade baked goods as a fundraiser.

Rides for children included flying swings, a cage ride and various blow-up equipment.

Krapf was in charge of a food stand for C.H.O.S.E. which served such food as mashed potato bowls, pork chops on a stick, halushki, walking tacos, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers and pierogies.

The fire company sold chicken wings, bleenies, soft pretzels, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and beverages. The volunteers also manned the beer garden.

Friday’s entertainment was by a band called The Liars Club.

Music was by Maggie and the Mutts on Saturday.

Sunday’s musical attraction on Sunday was The Local Boys.