Six blocks of downtown Hamburg were blocked off Sept. 3 for the annual Hamburg-er Festival.

There were 33 stands selling hamburgers, a people’s choice hamburger contest sponsored by the Reading Health System and amateur and professional hamburger eating contests.

The musical sound of “Cross Roads Duo” was one of 25 musical programs on five stages.

One of the largest hamburger stands, Christ Evangelical Free Church, had about four spaces combined into one.

The CEFC “Smokin’ Pig Burger” won best taste, best value and grand champion. Other burgers sold were the mesquite, pepperjack cheese, pulled pork, cole- slaw and spicy sauce. It was the church’s fourth year at the festival.

The first year, the church took first place with a Redeemer burger.

Pure Wild Tea, Bernville, gave out samples of its four flavors each based on mint grown on their farm.

Owner Sherry Fuhrmann said it was a tradition handed down by the family. Mint planted eight years ago began making it into stores three years ago.

Kathy Kenworthy of “Almosta Ranch Alpacas” Mohrsville, Berks County, spun alpaca fiber on a drop spindle.

She has 13 alpacas, five llamas, three sheep and Angora rabbits providing a variety of fibers for her spinning and manufacture of clothing.

Resident Margaret Burgkert bought some Yuengling ice cream.

The dessert is made by the same family that makes Yuengling beer at a site outside Tamaqua.

“If you like burgers, vote for us,” was a notice posted at the Smokin’ Bull Shack, Bethlehem, stand and those of many other burger vendors.

The special at the stand for Lil Nutzy, 845 E. Federal St., Allentown, was the pepperoni pizza cheeseburger.

An award-winning hamburger, the Heavenly Hog, with pulled pork, citrus chipotle, barbecue sauce and fuji apple slaw was the entry from Salem Evangelical Congregational Church, Lenhartsville.

“His are pretty good,” Carl Kauffman said, as the family passed Uncle Paul’s Stuffed Pretzels, Hamburg.

He especially liked the cheesesteak stuffed pretzel.

Rich Gerber was mystifying young and old alike with his magic. A penny grew in size until it was three inches across.

Using a stick, he moved a ball in and out of an upside-down cup. Dozens of things appeared from his empty hat.

Rick Delussey manned the hospitality tent.

“We love our jobs,” Delussey said. “It is a great day. Eat burgers and have fun.”