The subtle colors of autumn were this weekend at Mauch Chunk Lake Park where the park's eighth annual heritage festival was held.

Hundreds of people attended the festival that featured virtually nonstop music, crafts, food, displays and hayrides.Park manager Dave Horvath said, "We had a nice turnout. We're trying to get more historical exhibits to promote our history. Number 9 Mine will be here next year."Horvath said 4-H members were at the festival and decorated pumpkins.Also present was Frank Klock of the Carbon County Environmental Center who did a talk on raptors and had a live bald eagle on display.Joe Urban, a member of the band Jupiter's Arrow, said "We enjoy coming here."The band has appeared for six years now. "It's a good crowd," Urban said.Other bands performing were Texas Rose, Shane & Livi, The 3 of Us, Heavy Traffic, Coal County Express, and the Boiled Owls.Cheryl Honchen of Lehighton, an expert with the hula hoop, showed youngsters the trick to mastering the plastic toy.Among those youngsters who approached her for advice was Maggie Koch, 10, of Palmerton. Koch showed she can do the hoop with the best of them, though, impressing Honchen.Those attending had a wide choice of food options including roasted corn, hamburgers, hot dogs, soup, and barbecue.The hayrides proved popular, with virtually every trip filled to capacity. Hundreds of riders were taken on a trip down the Switchback Trail.Child Evangelism Fellowship of Carbon and Lehigh Counties offered arts and crafts for the youngsters.Ela Tonala of Effort, who is best known as Ellie the Krafty Klown, did face painting.Horvath said those attending seemed to be having a fun time "and we're looking forward to having it again next year."