The food stands at the West End Fair are more than just places to grab a sandwich or dessert. For local churches, fire companies and volunteers, they are a lifeline of support, tradition and community spirit that stretches well beyond fair week.

For Middlecreek Christian Church, the event represents its largest fundraiser.

“It’s the only real fundraiser we do,” said Marcy Cetnar, who helped oversee operations at the church stand.

She explained that while the church runs on tithes and offerings, the money raised at the fair supports upkeep.

“This doesn’t run our church, but it helps with maintenance,” Cetnar said. “This year we had to repair our air conditioning, so the fair helps with expenses like that.”

The stand typically nets around $25,000 to $30,000 each year. Preparation begins months in advance.

“After we close up, we hold an end-of-year meeting and start prepping for the next year right away,” Cetnar said. “By January or February, we will begin organizing everything. We have a committee that works through changes.”

New menu items were added this year.

“We added a chicken bowl and peach dumpling, but kept everything else the same. We try not to raise our prices because we want families to be able to afford to come,” she said.

Tips collected at the stand are donated locally. This year half is going to the Valor Clinic and half to Care Net of Carbon County.

The effort requires dozens of volunteers.

“It takes a village,” Cetnar said. “Some people take a week off work to help, others come in after their jobs, and older members help during the day.”

She estimated about 60 to 70 volunteers take part, including a group back at the church known as “the apple dumpling gang,” who bake dumplings throughout the week.

One of the stand’s biggest sellers is the hamburger bean bake.

“We started with 18 roasters full and are now up to 28,” Cetnar said. “A family comes every year to buy eight quarts and freeze them to eat throughout the year.”

For the Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company, the fair is also its most critical fundraiser.

“Without this, we’d be in a lot of trouble,” President Ray Miller said. “It helps with the firehouse, equipment and engines.”

The fire company’s best seller is the diamond steak sandwich.

“People can’t wait for the fair to come around so they can get it,” Miller said. “That’s the only time we serve it. Some people buy three or four at a time, and others take them home. We even get visitors from New York who come just for the steak sandwiches.”

Some fairgoers say the food is the highlight. Sitting at a picnic table with a plate in hand, Dwight Miller of Kunkletown said, “I wait all year for the dumplings. It’s not summer without them. I always tell my wife we’re not leaving the fair until I’ve had at least one.”

Across the midway, Emma Rodriguez from Lehighton carried two steak sandwiches wrapped in foil. “This is why I come here,” she said. “The rides are fun, but the food is the main event. You can’t get a sandwich like this anywhere else.”

Joe Kenas, a volunteer with Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, said the fair reflects the community’s spirit.

“We built a new outdoor pavilion a few years ago, and the fair helps with projects like that,” Kenas said.

Like others, he credited the volunteers in his church’s stand.

“It takes 60 to 70 people, and everyone enjoys being here,” he said.

The potato pancake has become an Our Lady Queen of Peace staple.

“It’s our biggest seller and gets bigger every year. We had one grill, then two, and now three to keep up with demand,” Kenas said.

The West End Fair continues through Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. daily.

Admission is $8 for ages 11 and older. Discounts apply Wednesday for senior citizens and active and retired military and Thursday for students. Admission is free for ages 10 and under.

Here’s a look at highlights:

TONIGHT

Last One Standing, 3 and 4 p.m., Main Stage.

Doug Kaetz, 5 p.m., pub.

East Stroudsburg South High School Band, 5:30 p.m., bandshell.

Demo Derby, Junk Car Race Heats and Feature, Pick-up/Van/Suburban Demo, 7 p.m. in the Main Arena.

Steel Creek, 7 and 8:30 p.m., Main Stage.

WEDNESDAY

Antique Tractor Pull, 10 a.m. in the Main Arena.

Dan & Galla, 2 and 3 p.m., Main Stage.

Steel Creek Duo, 5 p.m., pub.

Senior Program, 5 p.m., Main Stage.

DE Nogia Academy of Irish Dance, 6 p.m., bandshell.

Chris Eckert, 6 p.m., bandshell.

Demo Derby, Small Car Heats, midsize, stock full size feature, 7 p.m. in Main Arena.

Cramer Bros. Band, 7 and 8:30 p.m. Main Stage.

Cartesion Dance Academy, 8 p.m., bandshell.

The fairgrounds is located at 570 Fairground Rd, Gilbert. Visit www.westendfair.com