The 37th Annual Palmerton Community Festival, located in Palmerton’s Borough Park, opens Friday with three days of food, rides and entertainment.

Held rain or shine, hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

The opening ceremony at 5 p.m. includes the Palmerton United Veterans Organization, Retired Sgt. Major of the Army and Palmerton native Daniel Dailey, Mayor Bo Rodrigues and the singing of the national anthem by The Blue Mountain Balladeers, private vocal students of Resa Hall.

New this year is a chance for children to fill the shelves of the Palmerton Food Pantry and be entered into a drawing for a free ride wristband for Sunday.

Kids up to and including age 17 are invited to bring a full-size box of cereal to donate to the pantry. Children can turn the cereal in at the information booth and get an entry ticket for the ride wristband drawing.

Children must present the cereal in person to be eligible for the drawing. The drive runs Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. The drawing will follow at 8 p.m.

“If a large amount of cereal is collected, up to three ride wristbands will be awarded,” Susan Arner, president and chairperson of the festival, said.

Food stands are a big draw to the festival, and there are two new ones.

The Original Corn Fritter Guy will be making his debut at the festival. Last week he was busy at the Allentown Fair with original and garlic parm fritters.

River Rock Bean and Brew, known for offerings inside the Palmerton Public Market, will be serving popular beverages, breakfast sandwiches, Dirty Sodas, Lotus Energy Drinks and the famous mini pancakes with assorted toppings.

Owner Payton Marunich said the business began as a mobile bartending company four years ago but expanded into coffee catering and pancakes.

“We love the festival and look forward to attending every September,” Marunich said.

She said she is grateful to be asked as a vendor.

“It was a no-brainer — Yes — when we were asked,” she said.

Visit favorite stands such as the Pocono Potato Chip Factory, Smitty’s French Fries, Dale’s Concessions, Elephant Ears and more.

Support a nonprofit by buying pierogies, sausage sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, soup, halushki and more.

Don’t forget dessert with mini cheesecakes, molasses tongue cookies, ice cream, strawberry shortcake, crepes and more.

Then there’s the top-quality entertainment, featuring various genres including country, rock, polka, and more.

“CJ Solar is returning after many requests from people who saw him at the event a few years ago,” Arner said.

She added, “Richie and the High Street Rockers are extremely popular throughout our local area and beyond so we wanted to bring them to the festival where people have an opportunity to see them with free admission and free parking in our lovely community.”

And what would the festival be without the Palmerton Community Band?

“The longest running entertainment feature of the Palmerton Festival is the Palmerton Community Band, and the festival is proud to have them annually showcasing the many talented musicians throughout our local area who are dedicated to providing music for others to enjoy,” Arner said.

In addition to the free entertainment, families can enjoy rides, games, bingo, raffles, and more.

Craft enthusiasts can explore the craft tent filled with unique handmade items, perfect for your holiday shopping.

And it wouldn’t be possible without sponsors. “The Festival is so pleased with the increasing number of businesses and individuals who step forward to be sponsors of the event. Without our sponsors we could not provide the fine quality entertainment, nor could we afford the ever creasing cost of insurance electric, advertising and operational items,” Arner said.

She encouraged people to consider supporting sponsors “for everything that they do for the community.”

Visitors are asked to refrain from bringing pets, bikes, skateboards or roller skates into the park over the weekend.

When entering or exiting, use the macadam walkways and crosswalks. Handicap parking is available. For more information, visit www.palmertonfestival.com.