Jun. 9—Now in its 32nd year, Tamaqua Summerfest, to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Father's Day, June 18, will have the complete package of community festival action and events, from vendors to entertainment through games, food, exhibits and demonstrations plus train rides and bus tours.
"Presented annually by the Tamaqua Historical Society, the Tamaqua Summerfest is the first big celebration of the summer season in the Tamaqua area," Dale Freudenberger, society president, said in an event release.
Three scenic train rides from the historic Tamaqua Train Station and four bus tours of Lehigh Anthracite mining operations will be among the Summerfest highlights.
But by no means will they be the only Summerfest activities, according to Freudenberger.
For an idea of what else to expect, options for Tamaqua residents and visitors will include:
A Jukebox Cruisers car show with oldies music; Tamaqua Fire Police rubber ducky race on the river; children's amusements and games; Tamaqua Historical Society Museum, annex and gallery tours; a Lehigh and New England Railroad exhibit; the Faculty Brass Band; The Tamaqua Heritage Players costumed reenactors; a live broadcast of the WMGH Radio polka program with Joe Manjack; Leiby's Carriage Service horse-drawn trolley car rides; the Tamaqua Anthracite Model Railroad Club operating an H.O.-scale model railroad layout; folk musician and clogger Jay Smar; Buster the Clown; 1848 Hegarty Blacksmith Shop demonstrations; disc jockey Shawn; shopping at Tink's Antiques; the Tap S Trees gifts and decorating shop; the Victorian Highwheeler bicycle riders; Father's Day specials at downtown restaurants; Stokers and Revere local craft breweries; plus numerous other local organization booths from Tamaqua Area schools, Scout groups, animal rescue, churches and fire companies.
In fact, Summerfest spreads through several blocks of West Broad Street as well as South Railroad Street, Berwick and part of Nescopeck streets and Hegarty Avenue in downtown Tamaqua. Crafters and multiple street vendors from throughout the region will display their items for sale, Freudenberger said.
Three scenic train rides, offered by Port-Clinton-based Reading and Northern Railroad, will depart at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. from the train station. The first and third trips will go north to the area of the Hometown High Bridge before returning, and the second trip will head south to the New Ringgold area before returning. Passengers will ride in restored coaches pulled by diesel locomotives.