It's the perfect environment for individuals who crave a familiar place occupied by many a friendly face.

Such a relaxed atmosphere permeated from the walkways for the start of the 25th annual Palmerton Community Festival on Friday.Mayor Chris Olivia offered remarks during the opening ceremony.He noted there has been a festival in the borough for 50 years.From 1965-1989, it was known as the Palmerton Hospital Festival. Since 1990, it has been the Palmerton Community Festival."Can you imagine all the volunteer hours that have been dedicated to a successful festival for 49 years? We must offer our thanks to each and every one who helps make this festival a success."Olivia lauded event chairwoman Susie Arner and David Dailey Sr., "whose leadership has made our festival possible."The festival continued with entertainment from Remember When, The Hawks and T.G. Sheppard. There was also a ride special.Across the walkway, visitors, such as Ken and Joan Backenstoe of Walnutport, could be seen ordering their favorite treats.The couple said they have regularly attended the festival for several decades.Charles Fiske said the borough has been able to maintain its identity over the years.Fiske, who now resides in Port St. Lucie, Florida, used to spend summer vacations in the borough during his youth.One of the new vendors set up this year is Pretzel Revolution.Its owner, Dan Strock, said the Kutztown-based business was glad it set up a stand at this year's event."It's a community-oriented festival," Strock said. "I like this town."Early into the festival, Arner said she believes the event is headed for another successful year.The festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entertainment will include Lenny & the Loafers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the bandstand; the Palmerton Community Band from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the bandstand; Jeremiah James from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the main stage; Ivory Blu from 6:30-8 p.m. in the bandstand; and The Mahoney Brothers from 8-10:30 p.m. on the main stage. There is also a ride special from 2-5 p.m.A scavenger hunt will be held Saturday afternoon.In addition, a stand decorating contest based on the theme of 25 Years of Fun at the Palmerton Community Festival will be held.On Sunday, the festival is open noon to 9 p.m. At that time, the Pennsylvania Villagers will perform from noon to 2 p.m. in the bandstand; Crazy Hearts from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the main stage; and Twitty Fever from 6-9 p.m. on the main stage.There will be a ride special from noon to 4 p.m. The annual duck race will be held at 5 p.m., with the proceeds to be split between the festival and the Palmerton Halloween Parade.As a special treat, there are "25 Years of Fun at the Festival" activities. They will include 25-cent birch beer, located across from the Palmerton Wrestling stand near Fourth and Delaware from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.The festival also features various food vendors, rides, handmade crafts, demonstrations, games and a Chinese auction.Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.No pets, bikes, skateboards or roller skates are permitted in the park during the festival.For more information, call 484-866-2041, or visit

www.palmertonfestival.com.