For some, this weekend’s Palmerton Community Festival is the last chance to embrace summer before the season changes.

“We are going to head up for a little bit,” said Katie Scott of Cherryville. “We missed the West End and Allentown fairs. I need one last taste of summer before all the leaves fall.”

For a few, it will be a totally new adventure.

“I have never heard of the festival until this year and now I’m hearing about it nonstop. So, can’t wait to experience it,” said Janine Belvis of Effort.

A big part of the festival is all the rides.

Nonweiler Amusements, a family-owned business from Lehighton, returns as the ride vendor.

“We have been part of the festival every year it’s been the Palmerton Community Festival, and before when it was the Palmerton Hospital’s festival,” said Ann Hartman, manager.

The festival will have 18 to 20 rides, including the Zipper, the Ferris wheel, Scrambler, Merry-Go-Round, firetrucks, and the Dizzy Dragons.

There is something for all ages, she said.

There will be ride specials a few hours each day, said Susan Arner, president and chairwoman of the festival.

Tonight the special runs from 6 to 9 p.m. for $15; Saturday is 1 to 5 p.m. for $20; and Sunday is noon to 4 p.m. for $20.

“I’ll be here the whole time,” Hartman said. “They have the greatest comfort foods, from the filling and gravy to the sausage and peppers.”

Hartman will be working in their popcorn stand, located in the middle of the rides and games. The stand also has cotton candy, lemonade and candy apples to sell.

“It’s fun bringing the show to Palmerton because our two daughters live here,” said Hartman.

Nonweiler Amusements is on the road all summer with the rides, concession stands, and games.

In 2018, they have been to festivals and fairs in Towanda, Wyalusing, Walnutport and Reading, to name a few.

“We try hard to make it a fun community and family affair,” she said.

It has always been a family business.

According to the website, “Nonweiler Amusements was first established in 1895 by Theodore Nonweiler of Lehighton. His grandson, the late William T. and Olivia (Shea) Nonweiler established the present Nonweiler Amusement Company in 1950.”

Olivia Nonweiler died in 2016 at the age of 92.

For the past two years, Olivia and William T.’s son, William Jr., has been sole owner of the business and is one of three managers. Hartman, who is his significant other of 30 years, and their son, Justin, are the other two managers.

They have some help and lots of feedback from younger family members.

The grandchildren range in age from two to mid-20s.

“They are our hardest critics. They will tell us if something is not right,” said Hartman.

Last weekend, 7-year-old granddaughter Camryn Nonweiler was helping her in the popcorn stand.

“She wanted to clean windows and wash dishes to earn money for school,” said Hartman.