Children played games and went on rides. Parents ate tacos, noodles, and whatever else whet their palates.

Perhaps most importantly, they supported a Palmerton organization that raises funds for charities.

The 17th annual Crusaders for a Cause Spring Carnival kicked off Thursday in the Palmerton Borough Park.

Entertainment was provided by the Dynamic Duo, Dave and Brenda Rehrig, while it was also wristband day for rides.

Sisters Emma Farrell, 5, and Catherine Farrell, 3, both of Palmerton, were joined by Sentry Rivera, 5, of Slatington, as they caught an up close and personnel glimpse of Waffle the Sulcata tortoise courtesy of Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary in Palmerton.

“I like the turtle, and the rides,” said Emma.

Her parents, Ben and Maria Farrell, said they enjoy bringing their children to the carnival.

“It’s a yearly thing,” Ben Farrell said. “It’s a community event.”

Across the park, brothers Owen Flyte, 3, and Hayden Flyte, 9, of Palmerton, were busy playing games while their father Travis Flyte and his significant other Robyn Schwartz watched.

“They like the games,” Travis Flyte said.

“It’s family-oriented,” Schwartz added.

Lily Nothstein, 8, of Palmerton, proudly showed off her “Dolphy” that she won at the fishing game as she enjoyed her root beer sno cone with her father, Larry Nothstein, by her side.

“It’s just a nice night out,” Larry Nothstein said. “It’s something to do.”

Plenty a patron packed the Caribbean Islands Cuisine stand, including couple Alicia Bennett and Kyle Knauss of Lehighton, who both ordered the Caribbean Jerk Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken.

Mitzanne Graver, who has owned Caribbean Islands Cuisine since 2015, said she was pleased with all the customers.

Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders for a Cause, said that while the park wasn’t necessarily chalk full on account of it being a school night, she was confident the event would do well once the weekend arrives.

“We love to see the people come out and have some fun,” Obrecht said. “We have entertainment all four nights.”

The four-day event continues today from 5 p.m. to close, 4 p.m. to close Saturday, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Activities include rides provided by AEB Amusements (Wristband day is Sunday), a mechanical bull, bingo every night, a silent auction by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society, and craft vendors.

There is to be no riding of bikes or skateboards around the bandstand or carnival area during hours of operation.

Several food vendors are also available.

Live entertainment continues each night in the bandstand, including Hall of Fame Roy Orbison Tribute Artist Terry Harris, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; Elvis Presley Tribute artist, Jeff Krick Sr. from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday; and Roadhouse, playing classic rock, blues and funk from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Guests are urged to bring lawn chairs.

Also new this year will be Clydesdale drawn carriage rides by Steiner Artisan Farm. The carriage rides are located on the Fourth Street side of the park. Additionally, pictures with Apollo the alligator from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary can be had for a small donation.

Obrecht said they are always looking for sponsors to help run the carnival, and said anyone interested may call 610-390-1655.

Visit Crusaders for a Cause on Facebook for updates.