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Funfest Preparations Underway in Hazleton

HAZLETON — Funfest 2012 will get off the ground in Hazleton on Saturday. It’s an event that features fun and food for the entire family. The future ...

HAZLETON -- Funfest 2012 will get off the ground in Hazleton on Saturday. It's an event that features fun and food for the entire family.

The future of the long-time festival has been in question recently due to a change in city ordinances.

Traveling into downtown Hazleton you'll see the banners for the 34th year of funfest.

It's so big that five blocks of downtown are shut down to make way for the weekend's activities for the entire family. Judiann McGrogan is in charge of Funfest.

"Funfest is celebrating Christmas in September this year. We're going to have a number of things to represent that." explained McGrogan.

Funfest preparations wouldn't be possible without volunteers. Andy Piskel said  Funfest is a way to meet new people.

"We have vendors that come in from Virginia, Ohio, New York State and things like that and we get to meet them and make some friends," said Piskel.

For Gene Bond volunteering is a way of life.

"I have been volunteering all my life. I've been volunteering with fire companies and so forth, so volunteering here is nothing new only that I do." said Bond.

We found electricians at work for Funfest. Nick Micene said their company donates their knowledge and materials.

"Arc electric likes to stay involved in the community so whenever Hazleton needs help arc is there for them," said Micene.

Some wonder if Funfest's days are numbered. There is a dispute on how much Funfest should kick in for city services.

Funfest goes on all weekend. For a list of events click here.

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