Though the weather was brisk, hundreds of people still came out to celebrate Slatington's 11th annual fundraising event, "The Gathering," at the Trout Run Covered Bridge along Seventh Street recently.

The event, which started at noon, included food and beverage vendors, a "Biergarten," bingo, a 50-50 drawing, a duck race down the creek, a Chinese basket auction, wagon rides, free music all day, fireworks and more.Musical groups performing throughout the day included the County Rhythm Band, Beautiful Oblivion, The Large Flowerheads, Droppin' Trou and, later in the beer garden, Mike Peters and John Ortiz.Meanwhile, wagon rides carried guests atop hay bales along the Slate Heritage Trail to nearby Emerald and back.And, just as guests were starting to really feel the day's cold weather set in, a bonfire was lit in the beer garden area, with large groups of people gathering around to socialize until late in the evening.What began as a dedication ceremony for the covered bridge back in 2004 is now an annual event, held the first Saturday of each October, and is looked forward to by many people in the area. It continues to grow each year."We've been coming here for quite a few years," said Debi Hutmick of Coplay."It's always a good time listening to the bands and gathering around the fire pit, gathering with friends, and helping to support the covered bridge.""It's a nice event. They do a nice job here," said vendor Doug Swink of Smitty's French Fries,Funds from the event were originally aimed primarily at helping develop the Slate Heritage Trail, a 3.3-mile trail that starts in Slatedale and runs to the old railroad depot at Slatington's trailhead by the Lehigh River, plus its covered bridge attraction, both of which were initially begun by Peter Papay, of Penn Big Bed Slate Company, and others, including the Northern Lehigh Historical Society.However, after handing over the reins of the event this year to the Venture Group, an all-volunteer association consisting of representatives of local volunteer civic organizations, municipal governments and other individuals, proceeds now not only go toward maintaining the trail but also toward helping each of the group's many organizations, such as the Slatington Lions Club, the Rotary, Future Focus, the Northern Lehigh Historical Society, the Walnutport Playground Association and others, with their own work within the community.Still, Venture Group Chairwoman Nancy Treskot made a point of thanking Papay and his family and friends, who continued to assist with many aspects of this year's event."I want to thank all of you for a wonderful job this year at The Gathering," Treskot told the entire Venture Group. "I would like all of you to pass on to your organizations a job well done."We all know the true meaning of (being) a volunteer!"