The Palmerton Community Festival paid tribute to several volunteers who passed away over the last year.

Jodi Smale, festival co-chair, spoke during the opening ceremony about Peter Kern, Mike Harleman and Warren Steigerwalt, who “graciously gave of their time to the festival to ensure its success.”

As previous chairman of the hospital festival for many years, Smale said, it was through Harleman’s efforts in 1989 “that our wonderful festival now takes place in our beautiful borough park.”

Smale said that Margaret Shinsec, former festival chairwoman, shared that Harleman served as both a board member and adviser, always willing to help whenever asked.

Smale said Steigerwalt served countless hours in the information booth and assisted with their sound equipment.

“Warren was the voice many heard during setup hours, relaying crucial information to all vendors, and the early voice for vendors who were ready to start serving up their food before our official opening time,” Smale said.

She asked for a moment of silence for both men.

One of the festival’s greatest volunteers, Smale acknowledged Kern’s accomplishments and his commitment to making Palmerton, “A Great Place to Live.”

Kern was the senior vice president of the New Jersey Zinc Company, president and CEO of Palmerton Hospital, president of the Palmerton Hospital Foundation, board member of the Horsehead Community Development Fund, president of Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, director and chairman of Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, advisory board member for St John Neumann Regional School and treasurer of the Palmerton Area Historical Society.

Smale said that Kern also served in many capacities in his hometown of Brodheadsville and the Lehigh Valley.

“Mr. Kern was a selfless man, and volunteerism came naturally to him,” she said.

Smale said that Susie Arner, president and chairperson of the festival, summarized Kern as “a great leader, great teacher, and all-around great person.”

“I can recall numerous occasions in my childhood when there was planning taking place for various community events, that phone calls and visits to the chamber office to see Peter were plenty,” Smale said. “Whenever there was a question on how to approach something or the best way to accomplish it, Peter was the go-to guy.”

Smale recited words written by Kern’s daughter Karyn after his passing, highlighting how Kern set a standard of how to live life, leave your mark wherever you go, and to do so quietly, without seeking personal recognition or attention along the way. “The legacy he leaves behind is one that will not be matched but is encouraging to others to help to fill his void within the community.”

She said Kern’s daughter highlighted four main topics that meant a lot to Kern: Volunteer to make an impact with an organization of your choosing; donate when able to a cause you hold near and dear so they may continue to serve others; support the arts through music/theater/or history; and write the letter, whether it be a letter of congratulations, encouragement, or a thank you, don’t allow an opportunity to pass by to let someone know how appreciated they are.

“Mr. Kern exemplified all these characteristics, and if we can each carry out just one small portion of this, what an impact we can all have on the communities in which we live and serve each day,” Smale said.

When Kern was recognized by the Mauch Chunk Trust Company with the Community Hero Award in 2012, he said, “I believe that everyone can be a volunteer and help someone else.”

Smale said that sentiment is true of many of the festival volunteers.

“Leading up to today, we observed those over age 80 and those as young as age 4, lending a helping hand. Whether it was building their stand, assembling tents, carrying in supplies, picking up sticks, or leaf blowing the walkways, all of these are equally important.”

Smale noted that the Girl Scouts are just “one fine example of our youth who are learning to become future leaders and volunteers. You will see Boy Scouts here throughout the weekend, taking care of the garbage throughout the park, and some younger Cub Scouts delivering food to high-rise residents.

“Seeing youth strive to make the world a better place, is a reassuring sign that legacies like that of Mr. Kern, will continue to be a trend in our wonderful community of Palmerton.”

Smale thanked all the volunteers, “both those present today and those who have paved the way and laid the groundwork for us to continue out their legacy.”