They sat and had their pictures taken with an alligator, played games to win prizes, and indulged themselves in their favorite tasty treats.

A solid crowd came out to support the 16th annual Crusaders for a Cause spring carnival which got underway Thursday in the Palmerton Borough Park.

It was wristband day for the rides provided by AEB Amusements, which proved to be a popular destination for kids who anxiously lined up one at a time.

So, too, were Apollo the alligator, and Sulcata tortoises from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, which generated quite the buzz as visitors stopped to admire them.

Just across the park, Dominic Luchini’s hands were full from the prizes he won playing games.

“I like a lot of stuff,” said Dominic, 5, as he sported a bat, sword and water gun that he won. “I like the ice cream and funnel cake.”

His father, Tony Luchini, said he enjoys being able to bring Dominic out to the carnival.

“It’s kind of like a tradition,” Luchini said. “We come out every year; he enjoys it.”

Aaralynn Raub was all business as she had her face painted by Darlene Diltz.

Trisha Strohl, Aaralynn’s mother, said the carnival is a fun event for all to enjoy.

“It’s nice; the kids get something to do,” Strohl said. “She’s happy to get her face painted.”

But, the carnival isn’t just all about fun and games, as entertainment was provided by way of Larski DJ Entertainment in the gazebo.

While the event wasn’t quite as full as last year’s first night, Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders for a Cause, said the nice weather helped make opening night go smoothly.

The carnival opens at 4 p.m. Saturday, with entertainment from world renowned Elvis Presley tribute artist Jeff Krick Sr. from 7-10 p.m.

The carnival is open 2-7 p.m. Sunday, which is also wristband day for the rides, and will have entertainment from Dynamic Duo Dave and Brenda Rehrig from 3-6 p.m. Due to limited benches around the gazebo, guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Food vendors 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 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. 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 at next year’s Cancer Telethon in April.