It’s a tradition that unites generations.

And it’s a tradition organizers of the Palmerton Community Festival are proud to continue.

The 36th annual Palmerton Community Festival was greeted on Friday by an exceptional turnout.

Jodi Smale, secretary/co-chair, welcomed everyone to the event during the opening ceremony held on the Main Stage.

That was followed by the presentation of the colors by the Palmerton United Veterans Organization.

Afterward, members of the Palmerton Area Drama Club, who are members of the cast of “Oliver! Jr.”, the Drama Club’s upcoming junior production being held Sept. 13-14, led the audience in the singing of the national anthem.

Palmerton Area Drama Club member Calianna Smale, the lead in the upcoming show playing the role of Oliver, then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Joe Uhnak, chaplain of the Palmerton UVO, gave the invocation and noted that it’s been 24 years since the 9/11 attacks.

Uhnak asked those on hand to remember in prayer all those who lost their lives, as well those who lost their loved ones in the attacks.

Smale noted that over the past 61 years, the festival has evolved from the hospital festival to the community festival.

“It is wonderful to see our park filled with friends, families, neighbors and visitors all coming together to celebrate what makes our community so special,” Jodi Smale said.

“This festival has always been more than rides, games, food and music,” she said. “It’s about people — our community joining together, supporting one another and creating memories that last a lifetime.”

Borough Councilman Kris Hoffner noted that it was the town’s forefathers who had the foresight to build the beautiful park in the center of town.

Hoffner then termed the festival “arguably the biggest event of the year,” as people meet for class reunions and reunite with old friends.

He then thanked Susie Arner and Jodi Smale, along with their families; the entire festival committee for planning the event; the Palmerton UVO; the Palmerton Area Drama Club; plus all the corporate sponsors.

Smale noted that the festival doesn’t just come together in a few short weeks, as the planning, organizing and coordinating takes place all year long.

“Our festival officers and directors have dedicated countless years of service to making this event possible. Along with our committee members and volunteers, they spend an incredible amount of time behind the scenes — meeting, problem-solving, preparing — ensuring every detail is ready for this weekend,” she said. “Their hard work and commitment are truly the backbone of the festival, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.”

Smale also thanked the festival’s generous sponsors for their support, all the vendors and entertainers for sharing their talents, and the borough along with local emergency services for helping keep the festival safe and welcoming.

TimeWhys then performed on the Main Stage, and were followed by the AM Radio Tribute Band.

There was also a ride special where people paid $20 for a night of rides.

L.J. Schlier, 3, of Lehighton, was among the youngsters who took turns riding the Sky Fighter as he was accompanied by his grandparents, Chris and Sheryl Dailey.

“We’re out to have good family fun,” Sheryl said.

Elsewhere, Olivia Lichtenwalner, 6, of Palmerton, tried her luck at Gruber’s Goldfish Stand.

Olivia’s mother, Marisa Lichtenwalner, said attending the festival is a family tradition.

“Every year we have to come all three days,” Marisa said. “There’s so much to see.”

Not to mention so much to eat, something Laura Thomas of Bowmanstown was quick to point out as she ordered a roast beef sandwich from the Palmerton Wrestling stand.

Susie Arner, festival president/co-chair, said it’s great to see guests pack the event “so that every group makes a considerable profit and support the cause.”

The festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Playing on the Main Stage today will be Palmerton Community Band, noon-1:30 p.m.; Bill Reese & The At The Hop Band, 3-4:30 p.m.; South Penn Dixie, 5:30-7 p.m.; and Bruce In The USA, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

The ride special will be $20 for all rides from 1-5 p.m.

Sunday’s entertainment will consist of The Steelworkers Polka Band, 1-3 p.m.; The Rehrig Brothers, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and Separate Ways, 7-9 p.m.

The ride special Sunday is $20 per person for rides from 2-6 p.m.