Victory Park in Slatington was bustling with activity Saturday as Caring DAM Hearts hosted its third annual Rock the Park and Food Truck Festival, a free community event that blended food, fun and charity. From noon until well into the evening, families, friends and neighbors enjoyed live music, raffles, shopping and plenty of food.

One of the day’s biggest hits was bingo, drawing a steady crowd eager to play and win. Slatedale Fire Company, Station 23, kept festivalgoers well-fed with hearty comfort foods, serving macaroni and cheese, cabbage and noodles, stuffed pepper soup and apple crisp.

Fire Chief Robert Schramel, along with Kameron Kromer and Tiffany Yesik, helped make the booth a festival favorite.

To make parking and accessibility easier, two golf carts — loaned by Don’s Golf Cart Company in Lehighton — were added this year. Volunteer Howard Linchuk quickly became the go-to guy for shuttling guests from the parking areas to the heart of the festivities.

The day also had a strong charitable focus. Rentschler Auto Dealerships sponsored “Fill a Truck,” collecting hygiene products for those in need.

Donations will continue to be accepted at Rentschler showrooms. The dealership also sponsored all four bands that performed throughout the day.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Michele Degler, Neice Martinez, Carolyn Kutta and Deb Turock sold pull tickets and 50/50 raffles with smiles.

Martinez, CEO and president of Caring DAM Hearts, emphasized the mission behind the festival: “We had plenty of parking. Everyone had a great time. Our organization, started in 2016, spreads love and kindness to all. We help homeless, less fortunate and veterans throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities through random acts of kindness and purposeful events like this one.”

Local businesses and organizations also showcased their services.

Angela and Phillip Cole, owners of PawSome! Pet Sitting, highlighted their certified professional pet care services, which include walking, sitting and overnight care. Meanwhile, Marilla Payne, founder of One-by-Onesie, shared how her free clothing delivery and trade service has supported over 800 families since starting in 2021, offering baby and toddler clothing across the region.

The festival even had a celebrity of sorts: Riley, the “Sidecar Dog,” stole the spotlight alongside his owner, Jim Shelanick. Riley will be 6 in December. He has logged 30,000 miles riding in Shelanick’s Harley-Davidson sidecars and often makes appearances at parades, schools and events. Riley is also the star of a book, “Sidecardog Riley and His Great Adventures,” available in print and digital formats.

From music and raffles to food, shopping and community outreach, Rock the Park once again proved to be more than just a festival — it was a celebration of kindness, generosity and togetherness in Slatington.