The American Way Fair welcomed May in downtown Pottsville for the 39th year on Sunday.
The annual event managed to reach the milestone despite being in jeopardy when last month the city decided not to cover the fair under its liability insurance.
"We are happy to have it at least one more time," Wilhelminia J. "Billie" Payne, chairwoman of the fair committee, said Sunday.
The event was canceled in early April after city Administrator Thomas A. Palamar removed the coverage from the city'a general liability insurance policy at Higgins Insurance, Pottsville, due to budget concerns. However, the event was back on tap when an anonymous donation was made a few days later to cover the the insurance.
"I am very grateful that people stepped up, especially to cover the insurance," Payne said. "Without them, we couldn't have had it."
The event opened at 1 p.m. with music by the Pottsville Area High School Band. The Fabulous Grease Band performed later in the evening. Based in New Jersey, the band has been a regular act at the annual fair.
Otto's Amusements provided rides for the young and old and there were plenty of food and games vendors.
The fair lasted until about 7 p.m.
"It was hard to try and reorganize everything," Payne said about the event's initial cancellation.
Usually the fair takes place between five blocks on Centre Street that are blocked off from traffic. This year, it was noticeably smaller, withing two blocks - between Laurel Boulevard and West Market Street.
Payne said because Market Street is also State Route 209, additional clearance was needed with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation before it could be blocked off.
There was simply not enough time for that this year, Payne said, adding, "That has limited the space."
Payne didn't know if this would be the last American Way Fair in downtown Pottsville, but she said many people stopped to voice appreciation for having at least one more.
For Joe Whelski and his family, Schuylkill Haven, it was the 39th time they attended the fair. Whelski was all laughs as he tried his luck at a dart game.
"I've been coming here since I was 9 years old," Whelski said.
"It served it's purpose in providing entertainment for people who may not be able to go to Knoebel's or anywhere else with their families," Payne said. "It gave them a day of fun. That is what we intended to do and that is what we did."