CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT / PVT Jordan Stone, 8, and his friend Jacob climb a tree at Petrack Park during the Nye Communities Coalition Picnic and Family Night held Saturday. CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT / PVT Stacy Smith, executive director of Nye Communities Coalition, serves up hamburgers with her husband during the Summer Task Force's event held Saturday afternoon at Petrack Park. Advertisement

The Nye Communities Coalition, in conjunction with the Holiday Task Force, hosted a picnic and family night Saturday afternoon.

The Petrack Park gathering offered families a tobacco- and alcohol-free way to get out and have some traditional summer enjoyment.

The touchy weekend weather, including lightening that shut down the pool when the event first started at 4 p.m., didn't stop plenty of kids from having fun the old-fashioned way, climbing trees and playing in the sprinklers.

There was plenty of food on hand, including picnic staples like hamburgers and hot dogs, being served up with a smile by Stacy Smith, director of the Nye Communities Coalition and some dedicated volunteers.

"I think it's important that we have community events like this one," Smith said. "I really appreciate all the people that have donated."

The games, swimming and food were all offered thanks to generous donations by Valley Electric Association, the town of Pahrump and Smith's.

The Holiday Task Force includes St. Martins in the Desert, Oasis Outreach, the Family Resource Center, No to Abuse, Nevada Federal Credit Union, JP Designs and the town.