St. John Neumann Regional School held its inaugural Yard Sale & Eco-Fest on Saturday at the school’s Palmerton campus.

The fun-filled community event embraced the theme “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” with a day dedicated to shopping, sustainability and environmental education.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of attractions, including yard sale tables, selfies with Woodsy Owl, eco-friendly vendors and informational booths, a plant swap and an upcycled fashion show.

The event was organized by Erica Heery Wallace, art teacher and librarian at St. John Neumann.

Local businesses, nonprofits and artisans are invited to participate by renting a booth to sell goods, share information or showcase their work.

“It was about community, sustainability and stewardship,” Wallace said. “Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Carbon CART and American Farm Apiary were all present, providing information and resources to the community.”

Wallace also extended her gratitude to co-organizer Samantha Lantigua, prekindergarten teacher at the school.

“We had a very nice turnout from the community,” Wallace said. “All proceeds will support educational programs at our school.”

She added, “The heart of this event was rooted in community, sustainability and education — and I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish together.”

Carbon CART, a group of first responders focused on animal rescue, also participated in the event.

They assist during emergencies affecting domestic animals and livestock, including trauma, entrapment and mass evacuations.

The group’s mission is to reduce health and safety risks to both humans and animals.

Frank Beckett, Carbon CART manager, announced a major milestone at the event:

“We’ve raised enough funds to outfit every fire department in Carbon County with a set of three oxygen masks specially designed for animals in distress, along with pet first-aid kits.”

Wallace reflected on the success of the day, saying, “From the creativity of our students in the upcycled fashion show to the kindness of our vendors and guests, the entire day was filled with positivity.

The kids were so engaged in the lead-up to the event, and we heard so many kind words from those who attended.”