Palmerton Festival kicks off
Fun for the entire family.
That's what those who attend the 21st Annual Palmerton Community Festival can expect to encounter.The three-day festival kicks off tonight from 5-11 p.m. in the Palmerton Borough Park. The event is held rain or shine.Festivities will get under way when a group of St. John Neumann Regional School students sing the National Anthem on the main stage.The Jesse Wade band will perform from 5-7 p.m. on the main stage, followed by the Tim Gillis Band and Crazy Elmer presents Branson Swings from 8-11 p.m. on the main stage. Reading Escapades, which features story telling, puppets and educational activities, will be on the bandstand from 5-9 p.m.The festival will continue Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and will feature continuous entertainment as Tracy Lee and Co. will perform on the main stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Palmerton Community Band on the bandstand from 1-3 p.m. Hollywood Nights will perform on the main stage from 3-6 p.m., Nicole Donatone on the bandstand from 6-8 p.m., and the Mahoney Brothers on the main stage from 8-11 p.m.On Sunday, the festival will be open from noon to 9 p.m., and will feature a pay one price ride special from noon to 5 p.m.Performances will include Midnight Special on the main stage from noon to 2 p.m.; Shake, Rattle and Soul on the bandstand from 2-3:30 p.m.; Jerehmiah James and the Tandem on the main stage from 3:30-5 p.m.; and Dave Rehrig and the Twitty Fever Band on the main stage from 6-9 p.m. Reading Escapades will again be on the bandstand from 5-9 p.m.As always, the event will feature plenty of games and demonstrations, handmade crafts, a Chinese auction, bingo, and of course, lots of homemade food, said festival chairperson Susan Arner."They may have been to the local fairs, but they will find that the Palmerton Community Festival has its own unique atmosphere and appeal to people of all ages," Arner said. "And, they will leave here with a good and different feeling, especially with the foods, since we have so many ethnic foods that are prepared by local churches and volunteers."Parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. No pets, bikes, skateboards or roller skates are permitted in the park during the festival.For more information, contact (610) 737-3277, or visit