The 19th Annual Heritage and Bluegrass Festival held Saturday at Mauch Chunk Lake Park brought together musicians, vendors and crafters.

“It’s a day to celebrate our area’s anthracite history,” Missy Miller, a park aide with Carbon County, explained.

Men, women and children enjoyed strolling along the rows of vendors at the festival, looking at the variety of items for sale. There was jewelry, clothing, locally produced honey, photographs and paintings, and many more craft items.

The food was plentiful and delicious. Vendors included Tommy’s Funky Dirty Dog from Jim Thorpe; and Wood’s Ice Cream, also from Jim Thorpe.

The Carbon County Veterans Council sold baked goods and had coffee and drinks. The Carbon County Navy Club offered hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, pastries, and more.

The festival brings out a lot of people each year.

“People have been coming here since the day it started,” Miller said. “People love it here. They come back every year.”

“I love this festival; it’s great,” said Laurel McHugh, who was attending with the Carbon County Veterans Council. “I love listening to the bluegrass music all day, it’s great.”

“I love the hot dogs!” exclaimed 8-year-old Jennifer Holland from Slatington.

The big draw for this festival is the live bluegrass music performed on the stage. More and more lawn chairs and tents arrived as people came to listen to music from local bluegrass bands Josh & Dave, the Joe Cirotti Trio, Wood Flower, Serene Green, and Free Range Folk.

“I love this kind of music,” said Joe Thomas from the Carbon County Navy Club. “This is real music!”

All proceeds from the festival benefit the Mauch Chunk Lake Park for its upkeep.