One street in Lansford bustled with near-constant activity last weekend as two community organizations celebrated the coming fall season together.

For the past six years, Lansford Alive, a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the town, has held its annual Fall Fest. And for nearly a decade, Grace Community Church has hosted its block party in the city as well. But this year, the groups decided that two are better than one.

“We decided to combine (both events) just because you’re better with numbers,” said Jeremy Benack, lead pastor of Grace Community Church and Lansford Alive board member.

By early afternoon, West Ridge Street was packed with people from all over the county, and there was little opportunity to be bored. Jukebox Cruisers Car Club made an appearance, a bouncy house was erected and various booths had lined the thoroughfare, many of which were supporting local groups and individuals themselves.

At one table, Mercedes Weaver, 17, of Nesquehoning, and Samantha Wildoner, 17, of Summit Hill, sold chili and had a basket raffle. They were raising money to attend the Universal Cheerleaders Association’s Varsity Spirit Spectacular parade at Disney World in November. Rebecca Chuma, of Summit Hill, was also present on behalf of her daughter, Rachel, who couldn’t make Saturday’s event.

“We’re doing pretty good today,” Chuma said of the girls’ fundraising efforts.

The church’s thrift shop was also open and live entertainment filled the air with renditions of classic hits like John Fogerty’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” But in Benack’s view, more than the enjoyment and fellowship had at this year’s collective Fall Fest was the camaraderie.

“The importance of the event is really to bring people together,” Benack said. “A lot of the times we’re isolated or we grow apart and don’t really get the chance to get to know the people in our communities.”

“(A lot of people) donated to make this a great event today,” he concluded.