The Slatington Lions Club, Lehigh Township Lions Club, Lehigh Township Lioness Club and Walnutport Canal Association welcomed large crowds to this year’s Walnutport Canal Days, held over two days along the canal.

Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of food, entertainment, family activities and community exhibits throughout the event. Organizers said many attendees described Canal Days as one of their favorite local events.

The Lions Clubs offered barbecue chicken, hot dogs, ice cream, homemade desserts and other food items in the pavilion. Activities included a basket raffle featuring 55 baskets and 11 gift cards, pumpkin decorating, a plant sale, children’s games, face painting, a candy wheel, a 50/50 raffle and a chili cook-off with seven entries.

Numerous community organizations, businesses and vendors participated, including the Northern Lehigh Patriot Club, Girl Scouts Service Unit 733, Soaked Winery, The Burger Shack, Rails to Trails of Lehigh Township, Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, local Boy Scout troops, Terri’s Threads, Walnutport Diamond Fire Company, the Rotary Club of Slatington, Carbon Model Railroad, Cup of Joe Coffee Cart, Matt-Hat Jerky, Slatington Moose Lodge 1375, Lorah’s Shrimp & More, Dirty Dawg Soda, Tucker Hat Bar and Keep Lehigh Township Beautiful. St. Nicholas Catholic Church sold cabbage and noodles, baked ziti and homemade desserts, while the Woman’s Club of Slatington offered corn chowder and baked goods.

Entertainment included performances by The Sing Dolls, The Groove, Boondock Barons, Prime Cuts and Steel Creek Band. Visitors also enjoyed kayak rides on the canal, hayrides, pony rides and tours of the locktender’s house and museum.

The Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company provided fire-safety information and children’s educational materials. Brianne Clouse distributed dog treats and painted rocks to commemorate the Rainbow Bridge project she completed for her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Members of the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry reenactment group displayed Civil War-era artifacts, including wooden rifles and period medical supplies.

Jeff Weidner, a Canal Days committee member with the Lehigh Township Lions Club, said the event reflects the community spirit that drives the annual festival.

“This event is just so great for the community. I gave quite a few free meal tickets to those in need. Warms my heart to be able to do that,” Weidner said.

Chris Gower, also a Canal Days committee member, thanked the many organizations and volunteers who helped make the event successful.

“I want to thank all the vendors, the volunteers, the entertainment and community that came out and gave their support today and yesterday,” Gower said. “All money made from the two days will be divided among the Slatington Lions, the Lehigh Township Lions, the Lehigh Township Lioness, and the Walnutport Canal Association.”

Gower said proceeds support community programs, including assistance for residents in need of hearing aids, aid for fire victims, scholarships and veterans programs.

“The Township Lions help people get hearing aids, help fire victims, we support scholarships, and veterans. Thank you,” he said.