Despite the unseasonably cool temperatures, the 20th annual Crusaders For a Cause spring carnival kicked off Thursday in the Palmerton Borough Park.

Food vendors include Dale’s Concessions; Parryville Volunteer Fire Company No 2, with Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cakes; Island Expressions, with smoothies and deep fried treats; Christina’s Reptile & Animal Sanctuary, with tacos and taco salads; and Caribbean Noodles, with a variety of foods, including vegan options.

Logan and Chloe Ziegenfus of Slatington were among the many to chow down on french fries.

The couple brought their young children, Violet Ziegenfus, 3, and Poppy Ziegenfus, 1, to the festival, which they said is a topflight attraction.

“We love it,” Chloe said. “I wish they had something like this in Slatington.”

Logan echoed that sentiment.

“We really enjoy it,” Logan said. “It’s nice, and there’s so many things they have.”

Elsewhere, Hunter Gensel, 9, of Palmerton, was among the many youth who visited with Apollo the alligator from Christina’s Reptile & Animal Sanctuary.

His father, Adam Gensel, said the carnival is great because it gives a chance for everyone to get out and enjoy the community event.

That’s what the carnival is all about, according to Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders For a Cause, who added Apollo always attracts a crowd.

Obrecht said she remains hopeful that Waffle, a sulcata tortoise, is able to join in this year, as it will depend on temperatures, especially at night.

“It looks like the weather is going to cooperate the rest of the weekend,” Obrecht said. “We’re very thankful for everybody that comes out and has fun; that’s why we do this.”

The four-day event continues today from 5 to 11 p.m., 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

There is live entertainment in the bandstand in the park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as the park benches fill up quickly.

The entertainment lineup is: Marie Levin, famous Reba McEntire tribute artist, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Bill Reese, playing country and oldies, from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday; Hall of Fame Roy Orbison tribute artist Terry Harris from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday; and The Rehrig Brothers playing a mix of oldies, country and gospel from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Rides are provided by AEB Amusements, with wristband days on both Thursday and Sunday. Wristbands on those days will stop being sold about an hour before closing but will still be valid up until closing time.

There is also a reptile tent where visitors can see Waffle, a sulcata tortoise, and get pictures with Apollo, an alligator, for a small donation, from Christina’s Reptile & Animal Sanctuary.

Obrecht said proceeds from the event benefit local charities.