Kids ran around freely, couples enjoyed a night out, and friends met up with acquaintances they haven’t seen in some time.

Which is exactly what was anticipated once the annual 2021 Walnutport Playground Association Carnival kicked off Tuesday at the playground on Lincoln Avenue.

Rides, games, and vendors had a successful night as patrons roamed around the 46th annual carnival to catch the latest thrill, prize and delicacy they so longed for.

It was indeed a successful night for 1-year-old Julia Parisi of Slatington, whose parents, Shawn and Arielia, accompanied her as she won an inflatable gummy bear.

“She loves it,” Shawn Parisi said of his infant’s daughter’s big catch. “She’s having a blast winning prizes.”

Parisi knows the carnival all too well, having spend plenty of his childhood at the venue.

“I came here growing up all the time,” he said. “It brings the community together, they have something to do.”

Eight-year-old Richard Ottman of Slatington certainly had plenty to do as he bounced from one game to another.

“I wanted to get a large alien, but I got a green gummy bear,” said Richard.

Elsewhere, 6-year-old Jaxson Whalen of Slatington was as content as could be downing his mint chocolate chip ice cream while in the company of his parents, Kevin and Zandra Whalen.

“We’ve been coming out here since we were kids,” Kevin Whalen said. “He enjoys it.”

Food proved to be a bit hit too, as evidenced by the pizza Journey VanHorn 4, and Pearl VanHorn, 2, of Allentown scarfed down while in the presence of their grandparents, Paul and Angela Schoenberger of Slatington.

“It’s the kids first time,” Angela Schoenberger said. “They’re liking the music, the rides.”

With people perhaps more anxious than ever to get out, it’s no wonder the carnival was so well received, according to co-director Gale Husack.

“The turnout has been great,” Husack said. “There’s lot of kids on rides, we have a nice crowd with the band Steel Creek, who sound fabulous.”

Husack noted the carnival changed up its menu somewhat, but added they were sure to keep staples such as pierogie casserole and homemade filling.

“We’re hoping after a year off due to the pandemic, that we can come back strong,” she said. “It’s good seeing the kids out and about.”

Husack also thanked the volunteers, committee, staff, sponsors, Nonweiler Amusements and countless others for their help to keep the tradition in Walnutport alive.

The 46th annual event continues from 6 to 11 p.m. today through Saturday and supports the playground association’s girls and boys softball and baseball programs.

Scheduled entertainment includes The Rehrig Brothers Band Wednesday, followed by The Groove on Thursday, The Large Flowerheads on Friday and The Hydraulic Line Band on Saturday.

A top-notch fireworks show will be presented by Celebration Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday.

For the kids, a ride special will be available Wednesday and Saturday.