A sea of festival goers ushered in the 37th annual Palmerton Community Festival on Friday in the borough park.

It was so jam-packed with attendees that vendors began to arrive a good two hours before the start of the festival, according to festival president/co-chair Susie Arner.

“It’s been phenomenal all day; by 3 o’clock we were already pleased,” Arner said. “We had a nice influx of people; we are thankful.”

Arner underscored the importance of the groundswell of support exhibited by the community on the festival’s opening night.

“We’re so appreciative of the very good turnout to start the weekend,” she said. “Without their support, our community groups could not (provide) the service that they give to the community in need.”

Complete with vendors upon vendors of food, popular rides and thrilling entertainment, the festival is a hit for people of all ages.

For starters, there were the games.

Kylie Silfies of Palmerton said she was glad to see her son, Petey Silfies, 7, enjoy himself after he won a trumpet playing game.

“It’s fun,” Kylie said. “You get to interact with the vendors, and support our town.”

Youth such as Karver Bartholomew thoroughly enjoyed the festival too.

“I really like the festival,” said Karver, 8, of Nazareth. “All of it.”

Her mother, Chloe Bartholomew, said there’s so much to like about the event.

“I love it,” Chloe said. “It’s a nice small town, family (festival).”

Then there are the rides.

Just across the park, Maylee Devitt, 5, and Colson Pisauro, 5, of Lehighton, were all smiles as they took a ride on the Sky Fighter as their parents watched on.

Food vendors had lines of customers eager to chow down on the unique assortment of delicacies the festival is known for.

Of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without the crowd-pleasing entertainment that wafts through the park much to the satisfaction of its audience which was all too eager to soak in the sounds.

South Penn Dixie kicked things off on the Main Stage, with The 1970s Midnight Rock Show following.

The three-day event continued Saturday and Sunday.

Entertainment Saturday featured the Palmerton Community Band, IvoryBlu, Robbie Lawrence and the Steelworkers Polka Band, Richie and The High Street Rockers, and CJ Solar and The Old Souls all on the Main Stage.

It wrapped up on Sunday, with entertainment consisting of Nowhere Slow, The Rehrig Brothers Band, and AM Radio Tribute Band.

Along with the free entertainment, the festival also had games, bingo, raffles, and a craft tent, among other activities.

On Monday morning, Arner said this year’s festival was a smash hit.

“Everything was a huge success,” she said. “We look forward to 2027 and the continued support of all the local people, businesses, nonprofit groups.

“We are always available for compliments, good or bad if done in the right manner. Just a great big thank you to everyone who attended and supported every individual stand who was there, or perhaps all they did was pick up a piece of trash off the ground as well, and we appreciated everyone’s help.”

Arner noted plans are already underway for next year’s festival.

“We had multiple requests throughout the weekend for people who are joining the festival in some manner, (from) new entertainers all the way down to people who are just willing to volunteer to assist with things that need to be done,” she said. “In order to assure that we’re successful, it requires a large team of people.”

Arner said if anyone is searching for any potential lost and found items they may have lost over the weekend, they may reach out to her at 484-522-8899.