The group that took over Tamaqua’s Summerfest is keeping some tried and true favorites at the annual event, while adding some new attractions.

The street fair with vendors, crafters and entertainment will be held on Father’s Day, just like always.

But unlike the past 40 years, the June 15 event is being coordinated by the Tamaqua Odd Fellows Harmony Lodge, which took the reins from the Tamaqua Area Historical Society earlier this year.

Justin Bailey, a Harmony Lodge committee member, said the lodge is planning what promises to be a “great” festival.

A new addition, he said, will be live, musical entertainment from the gazebo at Depot Square Park.

“We’re looking for people to display their talents,” Bailey noted. “There are a lot of young musicians in our area that have talents, but maybe not a platform to show them.”

The lodge has booked singers Amaris Means and Suzie Johns.

“And we’re looking to get more,” Bailey said.

There’s another new idea in the works, too, but it’s under wraps for now, he said.

As in the past, many businesses and nonprofit organizations will sell crafts, foods and other items from South Railroad Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bailey said.

Several new vendors will be on tap, including a comic book vendor, he said.

“But we can certainly use many more vendors,” Bailey said.

Polka Joe Manjack from WMGH/WLSH will return with a live broadcast of “The Magic Polka Machine” from a spot near Tink’s Antiques on South Railroad.

The Tamaqua Area Historical Society will be open, as will the Hegarty Blacksmith Shop and the Tamaqua Anthracite Model Railroad Club.

Bailey said vendors and entertainers will set up along South Railroad Street and the sidewalk leading to the Tamaqua Train Station from West Broad Street.

“There are a lot of people wanting it back on Broad Street. We’re certainly looking in to this, but we need to see the community ‘needs’ us out there because we outgrew South Railroad Street,” Bailey said.

He stressed that new ideas for the festival that attracts thousands are also welcome.

“Our committee meets on the second and fourth Wednesday up at the lodge hall, before our meetings. This way, if there’s any other lodge members that want to offer ideas, they’re there,” Bailey said. “We’re getting a lot of cooperation and it’s really going to turn up nice.”

The committee is seeking sponsors and donations.

“The more we can raise, the better we can make things for the community,” Bailey said.

For more information about renting a vendor space or making a donation, call 570-668-4569 and leave a message.

Those who have vendor or sponsorship forms can return them to Tamaqua Odd Fellows, P.O. Box 227, Tamaqua, PA 18252.

“We’re going to have a great festival on Father’s Day and bring Tamaqua together to celebrate our heritage, celebrate our friends and family, and celebrate what the Independent Order of Odd Fellows stand for: friendship, love and truth,” Bailey said.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Harmony Lodge No. 86, has been in the community since 1843.

Dale Freudenberger, president of the Tamaqua Historical Society, announced earlier this year that he and the society would be stepping away from planning Summerfest and the Heritage Festival.