Dave Jarrett brought a lawn chair to the Tamaqua Area Historical Society’s 38th Annual Heritage Festival and propped it on a West Broad Street sidewalk.

“I’m here to listen to Polka Joe Manjack,” the Mahanoy City man said of the Magic 105.5/WMGH radio personality, who delivered his “Magic Polka Machine” live from the festival.

But that wasn’t it. From his perch, Jarrett was smack dab in the middle of the action. He and another polka fan - John Wasko of Ringtown - were able to see the hundreds who showed up for the Sunday event, to smell the festival foods cooking and to check out the trinkets and crafts sold by the dozens of vendors.

Even before noon, it was apparent that the event was a hit.

“I’m happy with the turnout,” historical society President Dale Freudenberger said.

Freudenberger was a little concerned earlier on Sunday, when he woke and had to scrape frost from his vehicle’s windshield.

But the chill would eventually dissipate and give way to a brilliant and drenching sunshine.

Those who couldn’t shake the shivers, however, found warm and comforting soups available from the Tamaqua Area Cross Country team. Crocks of chicken noodle, broccoli cheese - and even pheasant noodle - were emptied before lunchtime.

“We have 40 kids on the team. Every kid had to bring a soup,” explained Debbie Marchetti, treasurer of the team’s Boosters organization.

Offerings were varied, with beer kielbasa, beef vegetable and taco soups on the menu.

Boosters Vice President Samantha Morgans said many students were there since 9 a.m. - and stayed on to help through the afternoon.

Across the street, members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows churned out fresh apple cider by the cup and quart.

Jenn Swett used a long-blade knife to slice the apples in two, and Andy Kilmer pressed them into a grinder and cranked. After a few swirls of the handle, fresh cider poured from the spout.

The group also sold cookbooks and cotton candy to support the local cemetery - but the cider is always a hit, members said. Knowing that, they ordered eight bushels of apples to prepare the autumn favorite.

From the corner of West Broad and Hunter streets, Beth Marcavage and Judy Brennan offered homemade pretzels to benefit Zion Lutheran Church of Tamaqua.

About a half dozen volunteers made about 500 of the tasty soft twists from scratch. They also prepared caramel apples.

“The word is getting around. A lot of people ask, ‘Where are those pretzels?,’” Marcavage smiled.

Robert Reed of Tamaqua sold bottles of honey gathered from the bees he keeps.

“The hives are in the Lewistown Valley at Leiby’s Farm,” he said. “The nice thing about that is Leiby’s doesn’t spray, so the bees have access to goldenrod, milkweed and Japanese knotweed.”

Reed was happy to explain the honey making process to just about anyone who stopped by.

“It’s a hobby that I really enjoy,” he said.

A few stands down, Joyce Arner, of Tamaqua, sat behind tables of her handmade scarves, blankets, hats and shrugs.

“My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was in grade school,” said Arner, who calls her business “Crochet by Joyce.”

She crochets almost every day, and sells her creations at festivals and events.

After folks had their fill shopping - and filling their tummies with burgers, hot dogs and funnel cakes, they could stop at the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum, Annex and Art Gallery or the 1848 Hegarty Blacksmith Shop.

At the historic shop, Travis Sobolewski, 14, of Rush Township, worked at the forge to create various pieces. His father, Matt Sobolewski, said Travis is self-taught.

Attendees could also accept a Bible, courtesy of the Tamaqua Camp of Gideons International. John Nortavage, along with John and Karen Wick, were handing out pocket-size copies of the New Testament.

The group raises funds to place Bibles in hospitals, hotel rooms, nursing homes and doctors’ offices, and is supported by churches of many denominations.

Bands and historical re-enactors strolled through the streets, and people could stop to see the Tamaqua Anthracite Model Railroad Club display or the Carbon Model Railroad Club’s layout inside a replica railroad caboose.

“We used to take a display every year to the Palmerton Community Festival,” explained Garry Mack, club president. “Then we decided to build this” traveling display.

The Jukebox Cruisers Car Club invited anyone to participate in a show on South Railroad Street. Dozens of street rods, antique and classic cars were on display.

The street was also lined with children’s games, a bounce house and amusements.

The Tamaqua Public Library was open, too, and hosted a book reading. Outside library trustees like Mary Linkevich raised funds by selling books, tote bags and bracelets.