It promises not to be just any ordinary walk in the park this weekend in Palmerton.

In fact, far from it, as visitors will come from both near, and far, to be a part of the 24th annual Palmerton Community Festival.The borough's hallmark event of the year will be held from 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine, in the borough park.There is no admission charge, parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. No pets, bikes, skateboards or roller skates are permitted in the park the entire weekend.As the festival continues to draw ever so close, event Chairwoman Susie Arner said things appear to be taking shape."The park looks amazing, with everyone hard at work setting up and preparing their stands for an amazing weekend," Arner said. "It's such a great time for Palmerton and the surrounding area, as everyone is excited to attend the festival for the food, entertainment and especially the just overall good time."Arner added that many local class reunions are planned for this weekend so that people can attend the festival with their reunion and make it a three-day festivity."What makes this event so special is everyone, no matter what part they play in the weekend," she said. "If you are a supporter or a volunteer, your input is important; we all have a role in the success of this event."The festival opens at 4:45 p.m. Friday, with an opening ceremony on the main stage. Entertainment will include Olde Friends from 5-7 p.m. on the Main Stage, followed by The Fabulous Greeseband from 8-10:30 p.m. on the main stage.On Saturday, entertainment will be provided in the form of the Palmerton Community Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the bandstand; Changes in Latitude from 3-6 p.m. on the main stage; Becky and the Beasts from 6-8 p.m. on the bandstand; and The Mahoney Brothers from 8-10:30 p.m. on the main stage. In addition, the Lehigh Gap Nature Center will conduct a presentation with snakes and turtles from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on the bandstand.Also on Saturday, Horsehead Corporation will conduct guided tours at the festival, which will feature a drive-through of the operation. The bus tours are scheduled for 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Sign-up sheets for the tours will be available at the festival.Arner added "the festival committee is very pleased that the company continues this tradition and supports our event."Sunday will see performances by Rehab X from noon to 2 p.m. on the bandstand; Midnight Special from 2-5 p.m. on the main stage; and Twitty Fever from 6-8:30 p.m. on the main stage. The always popular duck race will be held at 5 p.m.Aside from all the entertainment, there will be various food vendors, rides, handmade crafts, demonstrations, bingo, games, and a Chinese auction.New this year are: turkey legs at the St. John Neumann School stand; baked potatoes, chili and cornbread by the Blue Mountain Community Church; whoopie pies by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; s'mores on a stick by St. Johns United Church of Christ of Palmerton; and pies, cakes, Persian doughnuts, and snowflake Christmas ornaments by the Palmerton Holiday Lighting Committee.Arner said several volunteers have offered their time to assist where needed at the festival. She said anyone else who is interested in volunteering may contact her at (484)-522-8899.For more information on the festival, visit

www.palmertonfestival.com.