The Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee hosted the festival to unite the communities and display patriotism.

Norma Maria Ruef, curator for the Buena Historical Society, displayed a framed lithograph depicting the Twin Towers.

"I was born and raised in Jersey City," Ruef said. "I looked at those buildings all my life."

Also on display were the 12 American flags issued since the nation's founding. Black-and-white photos of veterans from Buena and Buena Vista dating to World War I also were on display.

Dave Fernandez, president of Collings Lakes Emergency Medical Service, shared the photos he took at Ground Zero.

"Total devastation," Fernandez said, recalling what he saw. "I don't know. It's hard to put in words."

The program opened with a flag ceremony presented by VFW Post 158 of Buena Vista. The program ended with "God Bless America," sung by soloist Ashley Fortunato.

Children suited up in firefighter gear and aimed operating fire hoses at a simulated burning house.

"It felt like I was a real-life firefighter," Johnnie Schaffer, 9, of Newtonville.

"The hose felt like power," added Kenny Albert, 10, of Collings Lakes.

Other special activities included a candlelight vigil sponsored by the Collings Lakes Ambulance Association, a ceremony to recognize EMS workers and volunteer firefighters, a child safety seat demonstration, a coloring contest, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and pie-eating contest.