Sunshine and smiles filled the air this past weekend as visitors flocked to the second annual Walnutport Canal Days, hosted by the Lehigh Township Lions Club, Slatington Lions Club, Lehigh Township Lioness-Lions Club, and the Walnutport Canal Association.

The weekend’s pleasant weather set the stage for a lively celebration of community, history, and family fun.

At the entrance to the festivities, members of the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company greeted families with fire prevention education for all ages.

Children received coloring books, fire helmets, stickers, and candy, while information on fire safety for people with disabilities was also available.

“We are so glad to be able to serve the public,” said Janet Sheats of Lehigh Township.

Her fellow firefighter Cameron Vanderploeg added, “I’m having fun handing out toys and helmets to everyone.”

The event featured a wide range of activities, including a basket raffle, hay wagon rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a balloon artist, and pumpkin painting. Whispering Springs Horse Farm offered horse and pony rides for children.

Captain Rick Eisenhart and members of the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry participated in the event, donning authentic Civil War uniforms and displaying period medical supplies and weaponry.

“We are so happy to be able to go to events to do our reenactments,” Eisenhart said. “We are always looking for volunteers.”

The 153rd Regiment was originally formed in 1862 with 993 officers and men who served a nine-month term with the Army of the Potomac, fighting in the Battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

Visitors also enjoyed a variety of homemade food, including macaroni and cheese, pork barbecue, apple and peach cobbler, turkey with filling and gravy, pierogies, hot dogs, fresh soft pretzels, and even trail mix for both dogs and humans.

The Walnutport Canal Days Committee extended thanks to all sponsors, including Thomson’s Meat Market, Re/Max Real Estate, Village “C” Store, Giant Foods, Neffs National Bank, Rentschler’s Chevrolet, and many others, as well as the volunteers who made the weekend possible.