A third straight day of great weather brought the 28th annual Palmerton Community Festival to a close Sunday.

Crowds were steady throughout the weekend in the Palmerton Borough Park and organizers heard rave reviews from vendors.“It’s been awesome,” said Sue Arner, festival chairperson. “The crowds have been phenomenal and people have been very grateful and appreciative. I am very happy, especially for our non-profit groups, that they can support their cause. All the money they raise at their stand goes to their immediate cause whether it be making a dream come true or to buy rescue equipment for a fire company.”The Belletones followed by Sunshine Symphony, a 1980s band, led into a festival-closing performance by Karen Hester, a Dolly Parton tribute act.“All of the entertainment was top notch,” said Mike Andrews after watching Hester on Sunday night. “I think it’s some of the best that we have in the festivals around here. My family really enjoyed it.”For many, the festival is a time to catch up with family and friends who they may not see until this time again next year.“It’s almost like a reunion,” said Sue Henderson. “We all have busy lives, but on festival weekend you always know where everyone is going to be.”What makes the festival so successful?“We couldn’t ask for a better location,” Arner said. “We hear that from many people what a beautiful park we have here in Palmerton. I think also a lot of people want to support the positive endeavors of these groups that are here.”Giving backTwo area families will be recipients of an unexpected gift courtesy of the owners of Caribbean Noodles, a popular food stand at the festival.Owner Mitzanne Graver-Conway said her company was sponsoring two local families who have faced recent medical issues.“We’re one of the only stands here that is not a non-profit and we did so well last year that I just wanted to give back to the community,” Conway said. “I myself was injured in terrible car accident and felt need to give back to someone less fortunate.”Conway worked with Arner to come up with recipients, though they did not want to be identified.Caribbean Noodles is based out of Whitehall, but Conway is a Lehighton graduate and her parents are natives of Palmerton.“We’d like to continue giving a contribution to someone in the Palmerton who can use it each year,” she said.Anyone with suggestions for next year can contact Conway at

caribbeannoodles@gmail.com.