The 36th Annual Palmerton Community Festival took place this past weekend, and went as well as most everyone could have hoped.

Perhaps festival president/co-chair Susie Arner summed it up best by stating “we had a truly great weekend.”

“Festival goers showed amazing support to the event while they enjoyed everything the festival offered,” Arner said. “A family-friendly truly feel good vibe was felt as you walked around the park each day.”

Arner added she hopes all those who supported this year’s event look forward to next year’s festival.

“The nonprofit groups will continue to thrive and provide amazing community support due to those who supported them,” she said. “We hope many made memories that give them a warm feeling in their heart.”

A total of 50 vendors set up shop in the borough park this weekend, 31 of which were nonprofits.

New to the festival this year was the Palmerton Camera Club, which showcased some of their members’ work at the Gazebo/ Bandstand.

“This is a wonderful space for us to show off what we do,” Camera Club member Joan Zachary said. “Participants and members of our club are from all over the country, not just our area. We are looking forward to the year ahead, as we add new members and new fun activities like Photo Walks.”

As a token of its appreciation, Arner presented craft vendor Sylvia Storm with a commemorative award.

“The festival staff is honored that our sponsors, vendors, and crafters choose to come back after so many years,” Arner said. “We could not do it without their support.”

Arner was sure to thank Mother Nature for her cooperation, stating “our supporters usually give us a great turnout, regardless of the weather. But we can’t thank our community and everyone who supports the festival enough.”

In addition to the craft tent, there was a plethora of great food to choose from at the Palmerton Community Festival this year, with newcomers Boy Scout Troop 62 of Berlinsville, who were selling peach and apple cobblers made in Dutch ovens, with Leiby’s ice cream on the side.

The taco stand run by the East Penn Fire Company is a favorite. Brian Spitzer, assistant chief, echoed Arner’s sentiment.

“We’ve been participating in the festival for 36 years, and this year’s turnout was some of the best ever,” Spitzer said. “Plus, the weather was great,”

In addition to their popular tacos, the East Penn Fire Company also recently added walking tacos and a customer-favorite taco salad to their menu.

Veteran food vendor Glenn Hinton of Brodheadsville, who runs the Elephant Ear stand at the festival, was also pleased with the weather.

“Some years prior, we had to worry about mud in front of the stand, but that was not the case at all this year,” said Hinton, adding that he and his staff were very happy with the weather.

New on the Elephant Ear Stand menu this year were cannolis with pumpkin cream cheese.

In addition to all of the happenings in and around the Palmerton Park, the Sacred Heart Church, located right near the park, was having an art show.

Carol Curcio, Concourse Club Art Chairperson, said how important she thought it was to showcase art from talented local artists from right here in Carbon County. Submissions from artists also came from Northampton and Lehigh counties.

“I think it’s important to showcase just how talented our artists are,” said Curcio, who added that the winners will also be announced on the Concord Club’s Facebook Page.

This year at the Art Show, there was a photo exhibit from the Historical Society that showed off some vintage photos. Curcio said the exhibit’s focus was on community life in the Palmerton area, and how it remains to this day. Photographer Lynn Shupp offered some of her work for the exhibit, titling it “Through Lynn’s Lens.”

Curcio explained that in 2026, any artist who would like to submit their work can do so for free, provided it is somehow patriotic-themed. This is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year in 2026.