ORWIGSBURG - Hundreds of people attended a block party at Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson on Saturday to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Attendance was free, but there were food vendors, live and Chinese auctions and tickets to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The theme of the event was the 1970s and featured a costume contest. Contestants were judged on presentation and good looks with winners receiving a Harley-Davidson-themed prize.
"This is my original outfit. I wore it in the '70s. This is what it's all about, polyester," Paul Angstadt, 69, of Reading, said.
He had it in the back of the closet and decided to sport it for the event.
"I did not alter this at all," he said.
He was named co-winner with Derek Chadburn, 50, of Denver, originally from England, who wore British-themed overalls.
One couple came as Jerry Garcia and a woman named Twilight.
"We came from the '60s. Never gave it up," Tom Donlin, 60, with his wife, Pat Donlin, 56, of Minersville, said. Each wore jeans and a tie-dyed T-shirt.
They won first place in the couples category, with John and Lynn Farkas, Coplay, Lehigh County, taking second place.
Carol Schaeffer, general manager and co-owner of Schaeffer's, estimated at least 300 people attended the block party. Money raised from the event goes to support MDA.
Last year, the event raised $16,000. Schaeffer said the goal was to raise $1 more. Denise Calderone, an organizer for the event, said more than $13,000 was raised Saturday. Additional funds are possible because not all of the vendors turned in their money yet, she said.
The total raised to date for the MDA is $198,000. The goal is $250,000 with a deadline of next Saturday.
Raffle tickets were available for a chance to win a 2013 Harley-Davidson Black Line Softtail with hard candy custom and gold paint, a barbecue grill and drinks in a wheelbarrow.
Live item auction items included a handmade wooden chest with a Harley-Davidson logo, a table with a granite top, a large Harley-Davidson flag, a item signed by Dick Yuengling and a photo of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle autographed by Willie G, grandson of one of the founders of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company.
A Chinese auction had 111 baskets. Items included games, cosmetics, a fly fishing kit, artwork, a Harley-Davidson teddy bear, a painting of the Philadelphia Eagles logo and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle made out of wicker.
"That's awesome," said Joan Giering, 65, who was at the event with her boyfriend, Ron Rubright, 70.
The Allentown couple has attended previous blockm parties at the store in Orwgisburg.
"It's an excellent cause and I hope they find a cure," Giering said.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases in which muscle fibers are unusually susceptible to damage and become progressively weaker.
Caroline Sandy, 43, and Rob Sandy, 45, of Delaware County, were in the area and decided to attend the party with their sons, David, 6, and Danny, 8.
They said the event was "family-oriented" and a good time.