Each year, it runs like a well-oiled machine.

For many, the annual Palmerton Community Festival has become a family tradition.

But, that wouldn’t be the case if not for the linchpins who hold it all together.

Its recipe for success is the special group of volunteers who have formed the backbone.

That dedication hasn’t gone lost on President Susie Arner, who expressed her gratefulness.

“Being the president of the festival board has been at times challenging, but yet so very rewarding,” Arner said. “I have met awesome people along the way, and it’s a pleasure to serve the community in this role.”

Arner is fully aware the impact the dedicated group of volunteers has had on the event.

“Our current board is an awesome group to work with, and the simple words ‘Thank You’ seem to be not quite enough for all the support, dedication, camaraderie and guidance I receive from them,” she said. “I can always count on them to fulfill any task they agree to undertake and often more.

“Truly it is just an honor to be a part of this long standing tradition of Palmerton Festival, and personally I want to say thanks to those who have served the festival and its participants over the years.

Arner described what it’s been like to be a part of its culture.

“Being a volunteer at the festival and throughout the community makes me feel fulfilled, satisfied and content in my life as a responsible citizen,” she said. “Volunteering just genuinely makes me happy and feel good that I have made a difference in the lives of others, even if it’s just in a small way for a short time.”

Jodi Smale, festival secretary and co-chair of the event, shared much the same beliefs as her mother.

“I am proud to be a volunteer in Palmerton, a community which has provided me with many opportunities throughout my life,” Smale said. “The festival is so important because it impacts almost 30 local nonprofit groups.”

Smale took it a step further.

“It’s such a great way to provide a means for each of these groups to raise funds for all of their activities and programs,” she said. “As a volunteer, I am able to connect with my community, and make Palmerton a great place to live.”

Tammy Recker, festival board member and co-chair of bingo, said that “volunteering is the best way to honor the pride and tradition to the place I call home.

“It’s a way to express my gratitude to those who have invested so much time and effort in me as I continue to invest in the future,” Recker said. “I remember growing up, how excited I would get knowing we would be spending the weekend as one big community family. I still feel that way today. As a kid, I always told my family how one day I’d be a part of it.

“Serving on the board has allowed that dream of mine to come true, and not only do I honor it, but I take great pride in knowing I am a very small part of continuing this tradition.”

Brad Landis, festival board member and co-chair of bingo, said that being a member of the festival board “has been very rewarding.”

“As a volunteer organizer of the festival, it is rewarding to see the excitement and joy it brings to our community each year - those young, old, and everyone in between,” Landis said. “Many who moved away from our community come back to our town just for this event.

“Our festival is only possible because of the many volunteers who put in energy, effort, and time to make the annual event possible.”

Landis stressed the importance of devoting one’s time toward such a worthwhile cause.

“Volunteering is a tremendous way to give back to the community, and it ensures that the festival can continue to survive for future generations,” he said. “It also gives a sense of purpose within the community, and gives you a chance to work with others in a positive way. You get to be a part of something big.

That isn’t all, according to Landis.

“As a teacher in the Palmerton Area School District, I also try to instill these values in our students who I encourage to volunteer at our bingo tent in which I oversee with Tammy Recker,” he said. “Without volunteers, the festival and stands so many have grown to love over the years would cease to exist.

“I encourage everyone who is able to volunteer in any way possible no matter how big or small. It will make you feel good.”

Other festival directors and officers include Jimmy Schneck, Dustin Rehrig (entertainment co-chair), Glenn Sheckler, Janice Mack, Joanne Kercsmar, Dave Hawk, Bob Merkel, Ray Bossard, and Connie Visnosky.

The 34th annual Palmerton Community Festival will run Sept. 8-10 in the borough park,