The 18th annual Crusaders for a Cause spring carnival opened Thursday in the Palmerton Borough Park.

Roadhouse kicked things off as it performed classic rock, blues and funk in the bandstand.

Sabrina Kresge, 5, of Palmerton kept busy going from one game to the next, striking pay dirt while playing the Shark Tank game. Afterward, she said she was happy to have won a trumpet and lollipop.

Her parents, Matt Abernathy and Katlynn Kresge, said they both enjoy the carnival, too.

“I like the stands and the food,” Abernathy said. “You can’t beat fair food.”

“I’ve been coming since I was her (Sabrina’s) age,” Katlynn Kresge said. “This is natural for me.”

Elsewhere, Cameron Zuberka, 12. of Palmerton chatted with a friend as he patiently waited the arrival of others.

“My sister brought her boyfriend, and I’m waiting for my girlfriend for like a double-date,” said Zuberka. “I like the Ferris wheel and the Cobra.”

Just across the park, many an admirer stopped to see Apollo the alligator, along with Waffle the Sulcata from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary.

One of the admirers included Payton Parento, 6, of Lansford, who was accompanied by her father, Daniel Parento, and other family members.

Daniel said he’s glad to have brought his daughter and other siblings to the carnival.

“It’s a great family place to come,” he said.

Angelina Chrzan of Wapwallopen had no problem going right up to Apollo, up front and center.

Chrzan is known as the Turtle Lady, who does snapping turtle noodling on YouTube.

She took a moment to embrace Christina Obrecht, president of Crusaders for a Cause.

Obrecht said she was impressed with the turnout, despite the off and on rain showers.

“The main goal is that everyone comes out and has fun, and of course, donate proceeds to charity,” she said.

The four-day carnival continues from 5 to 11 p.m. today, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Live entertainment lineup continues each night in the bandstand, including Hall of Fame Roy Orbison tribute artist Terry Harris from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, world-renowned Elvis Presley tribute artist Jeff Krick Sr. from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and the Dynamic Duo: Dave and Brenda Rehrig from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Guests are asked to bring lawn chairs.

Rides are provided by AEB Amusements with a wristband day on Sunday.

There is also bingo every night, along with a silent auction hosted by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society, a mechanical bull, and a variety of craft vendors.

Fact