Summit Hill’s Hootenanny seems to get bigger and better every year.

Organizer Sara Ruch said this year’s was probably the best attended, possibly the most vendors and had some new events.

“This is our eighth year and it went off without a hitch,” said Ruch, who founded the Hootenanny. “We had beautiful weather and a great crowd.”

Numerous vendors said they sold out of their goods, some as early as two hours before the event ended.

One of the featured attractions each year is a cornhole tournament. This year, because so many teams were entered a second tourney was added.

Lyle Mantz, who coordinates the tournament, said 24 teams were entered initially with several turned away. Organizers decided to have a second tournament and 16 teams entered.

The Hootenanny was held in Ludlow Park. New this year was an open mic event, hosted by Clayton Ayers in the park’s gazebo. Twelve people participated.

The Hootenanny featured bands throughout the day. New this year was Becky and the Beasts, a veteran band who plays classic rock and oldies.

Ruch said efforts have been made every year to get Becky and the Beasts but they’ve always has scheduling conflicts.

“We’re really excited we were able to book them this year,” she said.

Other bands at the event were Free Range Folk, Big Valley Bluegrass, Coal County Express, Ecospheres and the Pennsylvania Villagers.

Visitors to the Hootenanny could purchase food, drink and items from both commercial and nonprofit vendors. There was corn on the cob, barbecue, halushki, hamburgers, French fries, dreamcatchers, T-shirts and jewelry for sale.

Diane Binder, one of the workers at the stand to raise money for the Anthracite JOC Little League, said their hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings and mozzarella sticks were sold out by 6:30 p.m., 90 minutes before the Hootenanny was scheduled to end.

“It looks like just about everybody sold out,” she said.

Andrea Boswell, who was in charge of a stand that was raising money for the PV Varsity Spirit girls to got to Disney World, said they sold all their buffalo chicken dip, halupki casserole and halushki very early.

“We sold it all,” she said. “It was a very successful fundraiser.”

The Amazing Volcano Drinks were a big hit, with a combination of dry ice and flavored water that smoked as it was being consumed.

There was face-painting for youngsters, as well as a bounce house.

Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle said, “This is unbelievable. Fantastic. I thank Sara Ruch.” He said the Summit Hill Historical Society assisted.

McArdle attributed the weather as being part of the Hootenanny’s success, saying, “I believe this has to be the most beautiful day of the year. Some people have been here all day.”

While the bands played, people danced and spun hula hoops at the stage.

“From the feedback I’ve gotten, the people had a good time,” said Ruch, who is also a member of Summit Hill Borough Council.