A spring carnival in Palmerton bustled with activity the likes of which hasn’t been seen in quite some time.

People packed the borough park on Thursday to ring in the 15th annual Crusaders for a Cause four-day event.

Brooklyn Walck, 7, of Lehighton, was giddy, which by all accounts signified the mood of the sea of visitors.

“I got a butterfly painting,” Brooklyn said. “I like going on all the rides, the food, the Ferris wheel.”

Her aunt, Christy Walck, of Lehighton, said she was glad to see Brooklyn enjoy herself.

“She’s really excited because she can go on the rides with her height,” Walck said.

Elsewhere, 6-year-old Gage Solt of Walnutport could be seen hanging out with the Sulcata tortoises that could be seen at Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary.

Gage was accompanied by his parents, Travis and Jennifer Solt.

“He likes it, and it gets us out of the house as a family,” Travis Solt said. “Turtles is one of his favorite animals.”

Meanwhile, Nickayla Tomsic of Palmerton was tickled pink after she won an alien.

“It’s fun,” said Nickayla, 10. “I thought I was going to win something smaller; I was really happy.”

Nickayla’s aunt, Bryanna Kurtz of Palmerton, said it made her happy to see.

“It’s just fun,” Kurtz said. “I like helping her win prizes.”

Proceeds from the carnival benefit local charities, said Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders for a Cause.

Obrecht said this year’s proceeds will be given to Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches and Family Promise of Carbon County.

“Our goal is to donate to local charities,” Obrecht said. “We know they’ve been (impacted) with the pandemic, and we want to make sure they have help.”

The carnival continues today from 5-11 p.m., 4-11 p.m. Saturday and 2-7 p.m. Sunday in the Palmerton Borough Park.

It features food, rides, crafts, bingo, entertainment and other attractions.

Among the food choices are Dale’s Concessions; Parryville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 with their Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cakes; Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary with their famous tacos and taco salads; Caribbean Noodles and more.

There is also a variety of rides for children and adults provided by AEB Amusements, with a wristband day on Sunday.

Craft vendors, bingo which is held every day, pony rides by Step Back in Time Equine, a silent auction provided by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society, and Knockerballs are also available.

So, too, is Apollo the alligator from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary. Pictures with Apollo are available for a small donation.

Entertainment will continue to be held in the bandstand, with Dave and Brenda Rehrig 7-10 p.m.; Elvis tribute artist Jeff Krick Sr., from 7-10 p.m. Saturday; and the Sage Exchange from 3-6 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the organization strongly encourages everyone to practice social distancing and, when necessary, to wear a mask throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of the community and its residents and visitors alike.

Since its inception, Crusaders has donated over $30,000 to various charities throughout the years.