Coal Crackin’ Rock the Block is this weekend

Live music, rides for kids, and a firetruck parade will all be available this weekend at the Coal Crackin’ Rock the Block party in Coaldale.

Coaldale Fire Department is hosting the event for the third straight year in partnership with the Coaldale Home Organization School Environment nonprofit.

The firefighters have been volunteering additional hours to get the fire house ready to host the weekend’s events.

“It’s very humbling, and I’m very proud of what our members do every year to make our department look the way we do,” said Steven Polischak, chief of the Coaldale Fire Department.

The festival, which officially kicked off Friday night, runs from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking to the event are free. Food and a beer garden will be available for a fee.

The event features live music throughout the weekend with Toolshed Jack Saturday night, Jay Smarr Sunday afternoon, and Gunslinger closing out the festival Sunday night.

Otto’s Amusements will have rides for kids and games throughout the weekend, with wristbands available for Sunday’s family fun day.

Saturday is highlighted by a firetruck parade around town at 6 p.m. Firetruck judging will take place from 4-6 p.m. There is a cornhole tournament starting at 2 p.m., and a chili cook-off with tasting starting at 4:30 p.m. Toolshed Jack takes the stage at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, kids can “touch a truck” from 1-2:30 p.m. In addition to the fire department, KME and other local businesses will have trucks on hand for kids to touch and sit in. Motorcyclists are invited to a bike run with kickstands up at noon. Jay Smarr will play starting at 1 p.m., and the Gunslingers close out the event starting at 4 p.m.

Both organizations have worked hard to prepare for the event and will be serving an extensive menu.

“We work really well together bringing a great community event to Coaldale. We really enjoy working with the fire company, said Angela Krapf of Coaldale CHOSE.

The fire company will serve boneless chicken wings, bleenies, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and soft pretzels. CHOSE is serving a robust menu including halushki, walking tacos, mashed potato bowls and much more.

The event is sponsored by Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank and St. Luke’s Miners Campus.

For more information, check out the “Coal Crackin’ Rock the Block” event page on Facebook.