The Tamaqua Historical Society will present the 24th Annual Tamaqua Summerfest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, a Father's Day celebration in downtown Tamaqua.

Tamaqua Summerfest is a free event that features scenic train rides, a large craft show and street fair, a car show, music, entertainment, and food."Summerfest is a great way to kick off the summer season and celebrate Father with Dad and the entire family," said Dale Freudenberger, society president.A large street fair is expected to fill West Broad, Nescopec and part of South Railroad streets. Vendors from all over the region will display hand crafts, unique items, jewelry, clothing, antiques and much more.History will come alive in the downtown area.For example, blacksmith Don Campbell will work the forge and anvil in the 1848 Hegarty Blacksmith Shop, Hegarty Avenue. Old-time horse-drawn trolley car rides will be offered, pulled by Leiby's famous Belgian Draft horses.Also appearing will be the award-winning Victorian Highwheelers of Tamaqua, demonstrating 1880s riding machines. The group originated nearly 15 years ago during a Tamaqua heritage festival and is now in great demand, making appearances at museums, heritage events, centennials and major parades in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.The Moser Log Home of Tamaqua's founder will not be open this year until the bridge construction is completed on East Broad Street. However, the 1874 Tamaqua railroad station will be open for tours, including Vonz Restaurant's railroad decor and historical photos of Tamaqua's railroad heritage.The Tamaqua Anthracite Model Railroad Club will feature an open house of the club's spectacular model train display in the lower level of the Masonic Building, Broad and Nescopec Streets.The Tamaqua Historical Society Museum is currently closed, undergoing major renovations.The Tamaqua Street Machine Association will showcase antique and classic cars from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along South Railroad Street. People's Choice trophies will be presented to the top three vote-getters, plus a coveted Mayor's Choice trophy awarded. Prizes will be announced at 3 p.m. Registration is free and all car enthusiasts are welcome. A car show DJ will spin favorite oldies.Three train excursions will depart the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Station. Circa 1920s passenger coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive will take passengers through some of the most scenic areas of Schuylkill County.This rail route was first opened in 1829 by the Little Schuylkill Navigation, Railroad and Coal Company. It was the first railroad in the nation to use steam power to haul anthracite coal. The rail line connected the rich coal mines in the Tamaqua area to the Schuylkill Canal in Port Clinton. The first locomotive was the Catawissa, which took its maiden trip in 1831. Before 1831, the railroad operated with horse-drawn rail coaches for passengers as well as coal. It is the third oldest rail route in the U.S.Freudenberger said "This will be the first time summer train excursions have been offered in Tamaqua in several years. The trips are sponsored by the Tamaqua Historical Society in partnership with the Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway."Tickets for the Father train excursions can be purchased in advance at the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce office, 114 W. Broad St. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 570-225-1089 for information. Ticket prices for adults 13 and older are $12; children age 4 through 12 are $9; and age 3 and under ride free with each paying adult. All passengers must have a ticket. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Seats are not assigned. Any tickets not sold in advance will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the excursions at the Tamaqua railroad station.The always popular Polka Joe Manjack of WLSH radio will play tunes and chat with festivalgoers in front of the Tamaqua Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed my DJ Brandon Fritz in the afternoon. Music by "3 AM" will perform in front of M&S Hardware at West Broad and Railroad streets. Folk musician Jay Smar will perform near the Hegarty Blacksmith Shop during the day. The Tamaqua Community Arts Center will be open for visitors at 125 Pine St. (Route 309 North) across from the Family Dollar shopping center. Buster the Clown will also entertain along the festival route during the afternoon.Summerfest is one of the largest annual celebrations in Schuylkill County and is held rain or shine. More information is available at 570-225-1089.