Children of all ages anxiously awaited the arrival of Santa Claus at the Christmas in the Park celebration on Sunday.

The opening ceremony, held at noon, featured an invocation, message from Mayor Don Herrmann, and a 21-gun salute by the United Veterans Organization.

More than 30 food and craft vendors lined the walkways of the park as the Towamensing Elementary School Chorus and Off the Charts Music School entertained the crowd. Majestic wagon rides through Palmerton were available for a fee by Steiner Artisan Farms and free face painting was available.

Volunteers sold soups, baked good, and crafts. A basket social organized by Palmerton’s Kids in the Community helped raise funds for their community projects.

The Class of 2024 sold hot dogs and baked goods, while other organizations like the Girl Scouts had stands to raise money for special projects and events.

St. John’s Towamensing sold its ham and bean soup along side tables full of baked goods.

More than 150 trees outlined the pathways in the park, and the waiting list to adopt a tree is long.

The variety of trees ranged from Oscar the Grouch to a spinning fire light on Palmerton Fire Department’s tree.

For the first time, the students in the Life Skills class and the Buddies Club at Palmerton High School decorated a tree under the direction of special education teacher Amanda Capella.

Returning this year was the Veterans Tree launched last year. At the time of the lighting, 437 veterans and active service members names were on the tree. The winning trees were by PTAA, Class of 1969 and Reese’s Family. Each won $50.

Overall, the “beautiful weather” and the “great pride in our community” helped the day be a success, according to coordinator Michele O’Neill.

She thanked volunteers for helping to put the magic together. When asked the identity of Santa Santa rode into town on a Palmerton Fire Department truck.