Downtown Lansford was a hub of activity on Saturday at Lansford Alive’s fifth annual fall fest.

The event drew a steady crowd throughout the day, despite chilly and windy conditions.

Since its inception, it has grown bigger every year and has been a way to bring the community together, while attracting people from outside the area.

Saturday’s festival brought in nearly 50 food vendors, crafters, businesses and organizations to the borough’s business district on West Ridge Street.

If you were hungry, there was no shortage of food as you made your way through town. The smell of charcoal attracted people to the front lawn of American Legion Post 123, where members cooked up barbecue chicken dinners, while the ladies’ auxiliary sold baked goods. Traditional ethnic foods like halupki, halushki and pierogies drew crowds all day long in front of the Panther Valley Mini Mall.

Bob Soltis of Lansford kept busy manning the bleenie stand as the lines grew longer. Finger foods such as chili dogs and french fries were available at Grace Community Church. To help take away the chill in the air, some took comfort in a warm cup of soup. If dessert was on your mind, Aunt G’s Pastries of Andreas came to the rescue with a variety of sweet treats.

For those looking to decorate their homes for the fall season, crafters displayed wreaths, garland and other decor appropriate for this time of the year.

Music could be heard up and down the street as John Frye and Angela Nardini provided vocal entertainment throughout the event, with songs ranging from classic rock to today’s pop.

While there was plenty for the adults, Lansford Alive didn’t forget about the kids. Many children lined up at the Lansford Alive table to paint rocks, pine cones and what appeared to be their favorite, pumpkins.

A new addition to the event this year was the Jukebox Cruisers car club from Jim Thorpe.

The rumble of finely tuned engines was noticeable during the late morning as numerous car owners pulled into the parking lot of Marco’s Pizza to show off their rides.

If you walked across the street to the front of the borough hall, a vintage and modern police car caught your attention. A 1951 Ford, owned by John Poko of Summit Hill, was parked next to Lansford’s police cruiser.

The cars bore little resemblance to each other, except for the black-and-white paint scheme.

Lansford Alive Treasurer Donna Valent, who coordinated the event, was very pleased with the turnout.

“It was great to see vendors return from previous years, while adding new ones this year. Adding the Jukebox Cruisers and Lansford Police Department to the event added more excitement and variety.”

Lansford Alive’s next big event will be the annual tree lighting and arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, coordinated by the Events Committee. The event is scheduled for Nov. 25 in Kennedy Park.