The 36th annual Palmerton Community Festival starts up Friday in the Palmerton Borough Park and continues through Sunday.

Complete with food, entertainment, rides and games, the event also serves as an occasion to rekindle old friendships and forge new ones.

The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday on the Main Stage.

The Palmerton United Veterans Organization will open the ceremony, followed by members of the Palmerton Area High School Drama Club singing a rendition of the national anthem.

Borough Councilman Kris Hoffner will also speak during the ceremony.

Susie Arner, festival chairperson, spoke to the festival’s longevity.

“The length of the festival is a reflection of the entire community and surrounding area and their unwavering community spirit,” Arner said. “Folks here sure know how to take care of others as they come out enjoy a great event that allows many nonprofit groups to do their philanthropic work.”

Arner added, “The festival is there for the primary and important reason to allow local nonprofit groups to raise funds for their said causes.”

She noted that festivalgoers may drop off donations of in-date nonperishable canned goods at the Bethany Wesleyan Church stand located near the festival information booth.

“We all know food insecurity is real, and while festivalgoers are out and about enjoying the many delicious offerings, we also want to help those in need,” Arner said.

Arner added all donations will go to the Palmerton food pantry to help fill its shelves. Currently the pantry is in need of canned soups, cans of tuna, canned vegetables and rice, she said.

Roughly 25 nonprofit groups will be represented at the festival this year, said Arner, who noted new to the event this year is the Palmerton Camera Club on the bandstand.

Also new to the event, she said, will be Boy Scout Troop 62 selling peach and apple cobbler made in Dutch ovens.

Both groups are always looking for new members, said Arner, who encouraged those who are interested in joining to stop by and inquire.

In addition, she said the festival is pleased to announce Sebrings nuts will be in the park with fresh roasted peanuts and kettle corn on the west side of the park.

Of course, what would the festival be without mention of its highly renowned entertainment, as Arner stressed the festival committee works hard to provide family friendly entertainment for all ages.

“We are happy to give you a variety of all types of music for all ages,” she said. “The entertainers are top quality in their specific areas, and great individuals who are pleased to be represented at an event like this which revolves around community spirit and support.”

Arner reminded visitors that pets, bikes, scooters, skateboards or roller skates are not permitted in the park over festival weekend.

She cautioned that when entering or exiting, use the macadam walkways and crosswalks as they are the most well lit areas and they want everyone to be safe. Handicap parking is available.

“We are so happy that our town provides free parking, but please obey signs posted areas and private property,” Arner said. “Please don’t park in other folks’ cars, do not drive into the park under any circumstances.”

For more information, visit www.palmertonfestival.com.