The seventh annual Hootenanny was held in Ludlow Park in Summit Hill and organizers say it was a great success.

Although there were forecasts for storms, nothing major materialized. A brief, late afternoon shower was the only precipitation.

“It’s been great,” said organizer Sara Ruch. “The rain is holding out which is terrific. It seems like we have a really nice amount of vendors. And we have a lot of people.”

Six bands performed throughout the nine-hour event. One was The Wallace Brothers, who made their debut at the event.

Others were The Pennsylvania Villagers, Ecospheres, Coal County Express, Serene Green and Free Range Folk.

Some of the bands have been Hootenanny every year since its inception.

Ruch said a bounce house was added this year.

“We never had carnival vendors before,” she said.

Another new addition was an eating stand by the Anthracite Joint Operating Committee of Little League Baseball. The stand sold halushki and other homemade food. French fries, corn-on-the-cob and hamburgers were also available.

Always a favorite at Hootenanny is the cornhole tournament with a beanbag throwing competition.

Jan Petruccelli of Walnutport was visiting with Ada Petruccelli, 8, of Moore Township, and Ada’s friend, Jaina Smith of Lansdale.

Jan, who has relatives in Lansford, said she enjoyed the event.

“It’s good. I like listening to the polkas I grew up with the polkas.”

Vendors also sold jewelry, souvenirs, and arts and craft items.

Numerous nonprofit organizations used Hootenanny as a fundraiser.

Face painting was available for the youngsters.

Ruch said she started Hootenanny when she had a temporary position as program manager for the Lansford/Summit Hill Community Partnership.

She said it was a two-year position.

At the time, she obtained a government grant for an art or music festival.

“It was so popular that first year we decided to make it an annual event,” she said. “It’s grown over the years. It’s really become a tradition for the town. You have people talking about it year round.”

Ruch said, “I think it’s an awesome thing for the town. It’s great everyone works together to make it happen.”