The Tamaqua area was their hunting ground in the 1720s.

And while the Path of Tears forced many Native Americans to migrate westward, others stayed behind.

At Sunday’s 34th Annual Tamaqua Summerfest sponsored by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ Harmony Lodge and Lady Harmony, attendees found out more about Native Americans and why some local people have tribal roots.

“We never left,” said Lenape Nation Clan Mother Shelley Windamakwi DePaul of Delaware Water Gap.

An educator, DePaul has a master’s degree in history.

She said early German settlers, early 1700s, “intermarried with Native Americans and started families, so they stayed here.”

The Lenape called the area Tah-Nah-Mochk-Hanne, “land wherein dwells the animal who lives in the water,” or beaver.

Lenape are guardians of the land, she said.

“But Pennsylvania is the only state that does not recognize indigenous people.”

So the Lenape are working with lawmakers to change that, she said. She had a related petition for attendees to sign.

Visitors met the challenge of on-and-off rain to delight in a day of fun, train rides and hot food.

“I’m glad everyone showed up,” said organizer Justin Bailey. “We have a lot of new vendors, more than before, and they’re using about 90 spaces.”

The Rev. Sharon Stokes was busy handing out promotional freebies on behalf of Walmart.

The corporate giant has launched a national “You Belong” initiative to embrace diversity and inclusion.

“Our store manager Sam always says we’re here for the community no matter who you are,” said Stokes.

Visitor Tom Phillips of West Penn Township used the day to explore local history and genealogy while on a visit to the Tamaqua Area Historical Museum.

“There are two very old tombstones along Route 443,” he said, something he’s been investigating.

Strolling along South Railroad Street, another attendee said his mission for the day was focused on safety and to keep an eye on things.

“I’m here for the railroad, to check on the property,” said Officer Anthony Falcone of the railroad police.

Visitors stopped at the Tamaqua Area Historical Museum open house, Tamaqua Anthracite Model Railroad open house and the 1848 Hegarty Blacksmith Shop with working blacksmith Wyatt Kindler of Mountaintop.

Another popular attraction was the Wagon Works Museum with tour guide Ethan Lapp of Coaldale.

The day featured a live remote WMGH radio broadcast of the Magic Polka Machine with Polka Joe Manjack, Hometown.

While the Tamaqua Historical Society stepped down as event sponsor, the organization still had a prominent presence with its museum tours and appearance by costumed historians.

Among them were Tom Curney of Drums and Ruthie O’Dell of Plains Township.

The rain did change some plans, however.

South Ward Fire Company offered a full menu but opted to serve food from the Van Gelder Street headquarters instead of downtown.

Also, the horse-drawn trolley rides were canceled as was the Tamaqua Fire Police Rubber Duck Race, postponed until Sunday.

This was the first festival coordinated by Odd Fellows, a fraternal group begun in 1843 in Tamaqua, believed to be the oldest of its kind in the community.