There were ponies and reptiles, hot wings and beverages, and rides galore.

With so much to do and so much to see, it's no wonder the ninth annual Crusaders for a Cause spring carnival got off to a white-hot start Thursday in the Palmerton Borough Park.Despite a day that saw overcast skies and heavy winds, plenty of visitors stopped by to support the carnival, much to the delight of Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders for a Cause."We had a very good turnout," Obrecht said. "We're hoping the new vendors bring more people out."Among the new vendors are a hot wing stand, brick-oven fire pizza and gourmet coffee.Obrecht said children were also taking advantage of the pony rides made available by Horses for Hope of Mount Bethel, Northampton County."The pony rides are doing well," she said. "The wing stand is doing good."So, too, were the rides, as Thursday was Kids Ride Special Day, which came with a rides discount.Tracie Henry, of Palmerton, said her son, Cooper, 4, was as content as could be."He's having a great time," Henry said. "We're getting our $15 worth tonight; he'll sleep good."Along with the rides were various craft and food vendors as well.But perhaps one of the biggest attractions was Apollo the Alligator, courtesy of Christina's Reptile & Animal Sanctuary in Palmerton.Upon first sight, many visitors stopped in their tracks to catch a glimpse of the popular reptile.The carnival continues tonight from 5-11, and 2-7 p.m. Sunday, which is also Kids Ride Special Day.Crusaders for a Cause was incorporated in May 2009 and raises money for charities, including Relay For Life/American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, March of Dimes, and many other community causes or projects.For more information:

www.crusaders4acause.mysite.com.