Macaroni and cheese. Bacon corn chowder.

That right there is enough to whet one’s palate.

Now, add to that a tasty breakfast casserole, and it’s simple to see what makes the Towamensing Elementary PTO stand such a crowd pleaser.

Their unique breakfast attraction is what really sets them apart, according to Towamensing PTO treasurer Heather Meixell, who also serves as the chairwoman for the PTO’s festival committee.

Few stands at the festival offer breakfast. “We do well with our sales because of that,” Meixell said.

But, it isn’t just the breakfast that rakes in the dough for the stand. The macaroni and cheese dish has also generated a following.

“Macaroni and cheese is a huge seller,” she said. “Macaroni and cheese is completely unhealthy, but it’s completely delicious.”

Meixell added that she believes their offerings - much like those at other stands throughout the event - are reasonably priced.

Like other vendors, the Towamensing PTO is extremely reliant on the festival, as it’s typically one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.

“It’s one of those things that we’re always thankful for the opportunity to be able to participate in the festival,” she said. “So much of what we do is based on our fundraisers throughout the year, so we’re always thankful to participate.”

Meixell said the festival is “just such a huge event. Just getting to meet so many different people, and just to be a part of the community.”

“The Palmerton Festival is one of the only festivals that I’ve been to that you get that community feel. You go to other events and other activities, and it’s just not the same,” she said.

Meixell said what makes the festival special is the many nonprofits that run the food stands.

“Everybody is there for the same reason, to raise money for whatever particular organizations they are representing,” she said.

That’s especially true for the Towamensing PTO.

“The festival is a huge fundraiser for us, and every dime we make goes back to the school,” she said.

“The PTO is so important, not just to our school, but any school because any money that’s raised, the funds go directly back to the school and pay for the kids Christmas party, their field trip at the end of the year, a play day in the spring, just so many good things that we can give back to the kids.”

Meixell said the PTO is flattered to be among the vendors at the event.

“We’re so thankful to the people who come out and support the stand so that we can give back to the kids,” she said.

“There are those families that are in need, or facing challenging times, especially because of the last two years. When we’re able to raise money and give back to those families that might not otherwise be able to participate in those activities, that’s what the PTO is all about.”