The 35th annual Palmerton Conmunity festival kicks off Friday in the Palmerton Borough Park and continues through Sunday, with food, entertainment, rides and fun.

The community event started when the Palmerton Hospital stopped its fundraising festival.

“It is with great pride that we enter the 35th year of this fine event that was given to the community by the previous Palmerton Hospital,” organizer Susan Arner said.

“Many thanks to their wisdom and vision we remain one of the largest events in Carbon County.”

Calling it 35 years of greatness, Arner said a community meeting was held, inviting people to be a part of establishing the community festival.

Margaret Shinsec was placed in charge, assisted by Fred Reinhard, Scott Siegfried and others “with the task of continuing the great event everyone knew as Palmerton Hospital festival now being an event for the community run by community members.”

The mission of the festival, which remains true to this day, was to allow community organizations the opportunity to raise funds for their stated causes.

Arner, who was experienced with running the block party at the ambulance building, was asked to join.

Showcasing the community organizations and their needs is the primary focus now, 35 years later.

The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday on the Main Stage.

The Palmerton United Veterans Organization will open the ceremony, followed by the Palmerton Area Girl Scouts singing the national anthem.

Mayor Don Herrmann will offer remarks.

The event will include remembrances of the late Peter Kern, who dedicated his time to the Palmerton community; the late Mike Harleman, who was on the Palmerton Hospital board of directors and a driving force in the community; and Warren Steigerwalt, announcer for the festival.

Keeping with the theme of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Arner invited visitors to bring donations of nonperishable foods to donate to the Palmerton food pantry.

Donations can be dropped off at the Bethany Wesleyan Church stand located just below the information booth in the center of the park.

Monetary donations will be accepted as well.

New this year, the Palmerton Area Library will be hosting Storytime in the Park.

The library will be meeting for storytime at 2 p.m. Saturday in the bandstand.

“This is an addition to the entertainment schedule already in place,” Arner said.

“We are thrilled the library wants to offer this service to our event. Reading is fundamental, as we have heard so often, and we are happy the library staff asked to do this.

“It will be a great time for parents to sit down enjoy a short break while watching their children enjoy story time with the library staff.

“We certainly hope many will take advantage of this free opportunity,” Arner said.

Nearly 50 vendors will be on-site with food and games. AEB Amusements will provide rides, with wristband specials throughout the weekend.

Artisans will feature unique designs for gifts and décor, plus many sweet treats.

There is entertainment for a variety of tastes, from polka to pop, and country to classics.

For everyone’s safety, please refrain from bringing pets, bikes, skateboards or roller skates into the park over the weekend.

When entering or exiting, use the macadam walkways and crosswalks. Handicap parking is available.

For more information, visit www.palmertonfestival.com.