There aren’t too many things as comforting as taking a familiar walk down memory lane.

That nostalgic feel - coupled with the smorgasbord of food selections - ensured the 33rd annual Palmerton Community Festival got off to a blissful start on Friday night.

Students from the SS Palmer Elementary and Towamensing Elementary School choruses sang the national anthem under the direction of Carol Burkhardt on the Main Stage as part of the opening ceremony. They were joined by the Color Guard of the Palmerton United Veterans of Organization.

Joe Uhnak, first vice commander of the Palmerton American Legion Post 269, said that Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the terroristic attacks on the United States.

Uhnak said that just like those who remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, or when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, everyone can recall where they were and what they were doing on 9/11.

They then honored those who lost their lives on 9/11 with a rifle salute.

Borough Mayor Don Herrmann thanked everyone who made the event possible.

“This is about community,” Herrmann said.

Afterward, the country flair of South Penn Dixie belted out hit after hit from the Main Stage. They were followed by Philadelphia Funk Authority.

Elsewhere, the walkways of the park were bustling with activity as patrons made their rounds from one vendor to the next.

Chris and Brianna Dengler of Schnecksville were at the Aw Shucks stand with their 1-year-old son Elliot.

Renowned for its tasty roasted corn, the stand had long lines waiting form the savory treat.

“I had it before,” Chris Dengler said. “It’s great.”

Across the park, 9-year-old Josh Slavy was playing multiple games of Skee-Ball.

Josh was accompanied by his aunt, Lynn Koehler.

“I bring him every year,” Koehler said. “To go on the rides and play games.”

Not too far from there, Sara Moyer of Palmerton watched as her daughter, Hanna Moyer, 4, had her face painted by Heather Ahner, owner of Intwined Your Salon in Palmerton.

“We come every year multiple times,” Sara Moyer said. “It’s family fun.”

Which is exactly what festival president/co-chair Susie Arner said the event is about.

Arner said she was pleased with the crowd, excited by the great weather, and thankful to everyone who supports the event so that all its nonprofits can continue to raise funds for their causes.

The festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Today’s entertainment schedule includes the CACPAC Ecumenical Workshop Service from 10-11 a.m. on the Bandstand; the Palmerton Community Band from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Bandstand; Dance with Kim from 2-3 p.m. on the Main Stage; James Supra/Sarah Ayers Band from 4-7 p.m. on the Main Stage; and The Midnight Rock Show from 8-10:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

There will also be a ride special ($20 cost) today from 1-5 p.m.

Sunday’s entertainment will be the Brian Dean Moore Band from 1-3 p.m. on the Main Stage; Nowhere Slow from 4-6 p.m. on the Main Stage; Tootsee the Clown & Friends (Sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the Bandstand; and Triple Rail Turn from 7-9 p.m. on the Main Stage.

There will also be a ride special ($20 cost) from 2-6 p.m. Sunday.