The 33rd annual Palmerton Community Festival kicks off today at 5 p.m. in the borough park.

It’s open from 5-11 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

There will be a ride special ($20 cost) from 5-9 p.m. today, from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, and 2-6 p.m. Sunday.

Entertainment today will include South Penn Dixie from 5:15-7:30 p.m. on the Main Stage, and Philadelphia Funk Authority from 8:30-10:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

There will be food, bingo, games, demonstrations, lunch bag raffle, handmade crafts, and a vendors row.

Susie Arner, president/co-chair, said the festival committee anticipates this year’s event will enjoy a highly successful run.

“It looks like a picture-perfect weekend in Palmerton for everyone to enjoy the wonderful setting of the borough park and all the amazing vendors throughout the park,” Arner said.

Because of a shortage of volunteers, Arner urged patrons to be respectful as they wait in line.

“Many stands are facing problems with a lack of volunteers, so please be patient if your service takes a little bit longer, and please consider volunteering your time to your favorite stand at the festival, or come to the information booth to offer some volunteer hours throughout the weekend,” she said. “Whether it’s one hour or several hours, anything would be appreciated.”

Arner said that a new vendor, Phat Kid Productions, will have a photo booth just below the playground near Zinc City games on the west side of the park.

“This is their first year joining forces with the festival, but folks might remember them from Christmas in the Park 2021,” she said.

Arner said the Palmerton Area School District will distribute free learning materials to elementary students on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the district’s tent near the bandstand. Parents who have students in Pre-K through sixth grade can pick up free resources.

“The festival committee is happy to have them joining us to provide this opportunity for families,” Arner said. “We enjoy working together in the best interest of the community.”

Arner said the festival committee also encourages everyone to support the Palmerton Concourse Club Art Show at the Sacred Heart Church gymnasium. More information is available on the club’s Facebook page.

The drink trailer will again return, selling commemorative blue festival mugs with the festival logo in white. Mug refills are $1. There are limited hours to purchase the mugs: 6-9 p.m. Friday, 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The trailer is in the southeast side of the park.

“A special thank you to Boy Scout Troop 209 for volunteering to provide the manpower for that stand,” Arner said.

Arner encouraged people as they travel to and from the park to use the crosswalks, and always enter and exit the park by walking on the macadam paths.

Arner said first aid will be near the bandstand and manned by staff of the Palmerton Community Ambulance.

She said there is no smoking in the park per borough ordinance.

Arner said that pets (except for properly identified service dogs), bicycles, scooters and roller blades are not allowed in the park during the festival.