The 35th annual Palmerton Community Festival opens at 5 tonight and continues Saturday and Sunday in the borough park with new food vendors, craft vendors and continuous entertainment.

Hours are 5-11 p.m. tonight, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday.

The festival starts with an opening ceremony from 5-5:15 p.m.

Susie Arner, festival president and co-chair of the event, explained why the event is such a popular attraction.

“What stands out is the enthusiasm in the community and the surrounding area of everyone so looking forward to the festival,” Arner said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t say any newcomer truly would be amazed at the awesome setting of the borough park.”

Jodi Smale, festival secretary and co-chair, noted that this year there are two new nonprofit participants in St. Vincent de Paul Society selling empanadas and St. Nicholas Church selling potato pancakes. She added that the Palmerton Swim Team has a new menu, and will be selling apple nachos, sliced nachos with your choice of toppings, and milkshakes.

Smale said more than 90 vendors will be set up throughout the park this weekend.

“Food lovers will be in for a treat, with a vast selection of delicious homemade dishes; from savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate,” Smale said. “Craft enthusiasts can explore our craft tent filled with unique handmade items, perfect for your holiday shopping.”

However, Arner noted that the typical breakfast sandwiches will not be sold at the festival this year due to a vendor who is ill. The Towamensing elementary parent teacher organization has stepped in to a sausage, egg and cheese breakfast casserole both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Also, the SS Palmer parent teacher organization stand located near the information booth will be opening at 9:30 a.m. Saturday selling crêpes for breakfast.

Another new stand this year is the National Guard who will have information available.

Entertainment this weekend includes TimeWhys from 5:15-7:30 p.m. and AM GOLD Yacht Rock from 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Saturday’s entertainment consists of the Palmerton Community Band (bandstand) from noon-1:30 p.m., The Buzz Band, 3-4:30 p.m., South Penn Dixie, 5:30-7:30 p.m., and M80 Band, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Entertainment on Sunday will be comprised of The Steelworkers Polka Band Robbie Lawrence and the Steelworkers from 1-3:30 p.m., The Rehrig Brothers, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and CJ Solar, 7-9 p.m.

Ride specials (pay one price, $20, for the rides) are 5-9 p.m. Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday.

This festival is a fundraiser for many community projects.

“We are in this to assure that the participating nonprofit groups can raise moneys for their causes; an example of these moneys being used in the community is easily visible in the many churches participating to raise funds to keep their churches open and keep supporting others,” she said. “Another example of the moneys being used in the community is the Pool Pals lunch bag raffle and their funds being used for the events held each summer at the Palmerton Pool; surely no one needs an explanation of why the fire company raises funds or why the hospital auxiliary raises funds.”

Smale said that the community festival has been a staple for 60 years, 25 years as the Hospital Festival and now 35 years as the Community Festival.

“This is a wonderful collaboration that features all of our local nonprofit organizations,” she said. “Expect a lively atmosphere filled with top-quality entertainment, featuring various genres including country, rock, polka, ’80s and more. There is no admission fee, which makes for a great opportunity to stop in for as little or as long as you like, with no fee attached.”

Smale added, “We strive to keep everything affordable in an ever-changing economy so families can still partake in all we have to offer. This event runs solely on volunteers, both those running the stands and the board of directors, who all work tirelessly to make sure every detail is complete.

“Without these volunteers, many aspects of the festival would fall apart, and we are grateful for the time and effort they put in. This weekend is important to them as they work to raise funds for their organization, many of whom donate to other local causes throughout the year.”

Arner said she’s grateful to be a part of such a family-friendly event.

“As I reflect on this event and the years of my participation, I am proud to be an integral part of such a wonderful venture with a wonderful group of volunteers,” she said. “For me, it has always been about putting smiles on the faces of those attending, and hoping they realize how valuable their attendance and support is to keep the work of the nonprofits going, if not even seeing these groups grow in size and in their supportive endeavors.”

Arner encouraged others to try their hand at volunteering.

“Last but not least, I would like to say every group could use a helping hand,” she said. “Please consider volunteering; you don’t have to give the hours some of us choose to give, but reach out your hand and offer to be hands-on and help. You won’t believe how rewarding it can be.”

There is no smoking in the borough park. For everyone’s safety, pets (except for properly identified service dogs), bicycles and roller blades are not allowed in the park the entire weekend.