Rainy conditions at times proved to be a disruptive force, going as far as to put the kibosh on some of the scheduled entertainment.

However, the 34th annual Palmerton Community Festival more than held its own, said Susan Arner, festival president/co-chair.

“We’re pleased with the outcome of the three days,” Arner said. “It’s an outdoor event; we need to be flexible, and we appreciate the fact that everyone still comes out to support the cause of the various groups that are still participating.”

Arner noted that opening night made it through without any rain.

Unfortunately, she said the last scheduled entertainment on Saturday was canceled, as was some scheduled entertainment Sunday evening.

On a positive note, Arner said that some of the vendors were sold out as of 6 p.m. Sunday.

“So they were extremely happy with that,” she said. “That shows us that support was outstanding for the event as usual.”

The Palmerton Area Historical Society’s Historic Bus Tours were a success.

“The Historical Bus Tours of the Palmerton Area Historical Society were enjoyed tremendously by those who participated, and there have been requests to have it again next year,” she said. “That was a huge highlight for some people and

Arner said several of the usual stands such as the pierogie casserole and the candy bar game were missing from this year’s event due to circumstances out of their control, but added the festival hopes to see them return next year.

“The two new stands, the edible cookie dough and cookies and the stand with pulled pork and brisket, were extremely happy to be a part of the festival and are very appreciative of the fact that people tried their products,” she said. “The brisket sold out on Saturday.”

Overall, Arner said the event went better than expected in lieu of the constant threat of rain.

“Considering the threat that Mother Nature was giving us all weekend long, we are not as upset with her as we thought we would be,” she said. “We truly had a fun, successful three-day event.”

Arner said planning for next year’s event is already underway, and added the festival appreciates any input and suggestions.

“We had no major incidents,” she said. “We hope to leave the park looking as good as it did if not even better, when we started.”

However, Arner cautioned everyone to be patient with the cleanup process.

“Cleanup will continue over the next week or so based on the weather,” she said. “We appreciate the borough’s support in letting us use the park.”