Hundreds of people flocked to the second annual PioneerFest, Saturday at Camp Jordan Park, bringing residents, civic groups, schools, religious congregations and businesses together for entertainment, activities, food and fun.

The event is a fundraiser for the East Ridge Needy Child Fund.

A new addition this year was “East Ridge Has Talent.” Buddy Griffith, the volunteer in charge of the new event, said 11 contestants were entered, which included singing, dancing and, of all things, “fire eating.”

One unscheduled performance was what was believed to be a King snake, which fell from the rafter stage right with a bird in its clutches. One of East Ridge’s Finest, Officer William Johnson, removed the snake allowing the show to go on.

The dunk tank, which was abbreviated in last year’s October event because of cool temperatures was a hit. Amir Crnalic, of Top Floors, was one of the dunk tank participants. He pledged $10 to the East Ridge Needy Child Fund for every time he was dunked. Word on the street is that he had to take out a 90-day note to cover the pledge.