An event that raises funds for various charities is ready to embark on its four-day run in Palmerton.

Crusaders for a Cause will hold its 16th annual spring carnival Thursday through Sunday in the borough park.

The carnival opens at 6 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday; and runs 2-7 p.m. Sunday.

Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders for a Cause, said she hopes this year’s event does as well as last year.

“We saw a lot of new faces last year,” Obrecht said. “I know times are tough, hopefully we’ll still have the crowd we had last year.”

For the kids, rides will be provided by AEB Amusements, with wristband days on Thursday and Sunday.

There will also be plenty of entertainment, which will consist of Larski DJ Entertainment performing in the gazebo from 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Hall of Fame Roy Orbison tribute artist Terry Harris will play from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday; world renowned Elvis Presley tribute artist Jeff Krick Sr. from 7-10 p.m. Saturday; and Dynamic Duo Dave and Brenda Rehrig from 3-6 p.m. Sunday.

Due to limited benches around the gazebo, guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Food vendors will include Dale’s Concessions, Parryville Fire Co. with their famous PA Dutch funnel cakes and more, Island Expressions, Caribbean Noodles, Christina’s Reptile & Animal Sanctuary tacos and taco salads, and Siss’s BBQ.

Other activities are games; a variety of crafts vendors; bingo held every night, Knockerballs provided by K & C Knockerballs; a silent auction provided by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society; pictures with Apollo the alligator from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary and much more.

Proceeds from the carnival benefits local charities.

Obrecht said Crusaders has donated nearly $35,000 to various charities throughout the years.

The main donation from this year’s carnival will be the American Cancer Society, which will be presented to them on next year’s Cancer Telethon in April, Obrecht said.

“Depending how well we do, there definitely will be donations to other charities besides the American Cancer Society,” she said.

Obrecht encouraged people to come out and enjoy the festivities.

“We want everybody to have fun,” she said. “It’s well-deserved; especially during these times.”