South Railroad Street in Tamaqua was bustling with numerous charitable activities Saturday during the first 'Charity Starts at Home Festival' held in Tamaqua. The festival, which consisted of popular attractions, such as a Bigfoot car crush, car show, food, crafts, chili contest, children's activities and games, received multiple donations from community businesses and was sponsored by Tamaqua Tire Pros, Bridgestone and Firestone.

Mike Estojak, owner of Tire Pros, stated, "This event was a great way for local non-profits to have the opportunity to raise money for themselves." As if the Bigfoot Monster Truck wasn't big enough, a large 9X14 foot jumbo-tron screen, with speakers, from Mobile Technology Graphics, was also staged on South Railroad Street to broadcast music videos to all the festival's visitors.Hundreds of prizes were awarded to visitors for participating in numerous activities and children's events, such as Bill and Sheri Beltz, owners of the Restaurant at the Station, who won the chili contest.Festival organizer Amy Hochberg-Paules, assistant manager of Tire Pros, stated her great appreciation to all the volunteers, sponsors, vendors and Bigfoot driver Larry Swim for making their first festival a great success. Members of 'Rescue Ink Unleashed' show, an animal prevention TV show first aired on the National Geographic Channel, were also on-hand signing T-shirts and other items. The festival also featured a visit from Sasquatch and UFO researchers."I believe in giving back to the community and this is a fun way to do so." said Estojak.