It’s the first week of September, and Palmerton’s last summer hurrah is nearly underway.

At 4:45 p.m., the borough’s annual community festival will officially kick off with an opening ceremony. The event celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Susan Arner, festival chair, said she’s appreciative of volunteers who’ve spent the past two weeks preparing the Palmerton Park on Delaware Avenue.

She added that she’s “hoping that Mother Nature is cooperative, and we get through with a completely dry, or nearly dry, weekend, so these groups can make money for their cause.”

More than 30 local nonprofits have banded together to offer the public a weekend full of food, shopping, games and rides.

As always, admission into the festival and live entertainment are free.

There are a few changes taking place at this year’s bazaar. The Franklin Township Fire Company will take charge of selling sausage sandwiches — a beloved festival fare. Palmerton Swim Team plans to sell steamed clams and chowder.

And for the first time ever, the Lehigh Valley Health Network will operate a first aid booth near the bandstand.

The network’s presence in Carbon is growing. In August, it revealed plans to start constructing a $65 million hospital along Route 443 in Mahoning Township, set to open in 2021. That same month, the first Lehigh Valley Health Network ExpressCARE in the county opened its doors.

“Hopefully our services aren’t needed throughout the whole weekend,” Terry Purcell, president of the future Lehigh Valley Hospital−Carbon, said. “But if they are needed, we are there to help.”

An 8-year-old girl is collecting donations for victims of Hurricane Dorian. Camryn Nonweiler will have a ticket booth set up near the rides provided by Nonweiler Amusements.

A New York City-based yoga instructor is also bringing her techniques to the Palmerton Community Festival.

Lynette Buck, a 2007 graduate of Palmerton Area High School, is hosting free children’s story time yoga and movement. The first class will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday for ages 0-3, and the second class will be at 5 p.m. for ages 4-7-plus.

Tonight’s entertainment roster features the Large Flowerheads, who are set to play at the main stage from 5 to 8 p.m., and Georgette Jones, who will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Entertainment will continue Saturday with Palmerton Band from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tricia’s Dance Extreme from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunshine Symphony from 3 to 5 p.m., The Rehrig Brothers from 6 to 8 p.m. and Karen as Dolly from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Jean and The American Dream Band from noon to 1:30 p.m., The Belle Tones from 2 to 3 p.m., The Main Street Cruisers from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Bruce in the USA from 7:30 to 9 p.m.