LEHIGHTON, Pa. — Lehighton, once known as a railroad town, will celebrate its heritage Saturday, Aug. 23, with a day of history, activities and local shopping from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Lehighton Downtown Borough Park, 1 Constitution Avenue.
The Lehighton Downtown Initiative recently acquired the caboose on Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard and plans to restore it to its original condition as a community gathering space. “Our goal is to refurbish the caboose to its original state with an area for all to enjoy,” the Lehighton Downtown Initiative said in announcing the event.
To help fund the restoration effort, organizers are selling raffle tickets for a vacation of choice worth up to $6,000. Tickets can be purchased at Railroad Day, weekly at the Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market, The Styling Zone, Homecomfort Solutions, The Boatyard or from an LDI member.
The drawing will be held at Hometown Vintage Christmas, with the goal of having the caboose painted by the end of the year.
Experts including Lehigh Valley Railroad veterans, historian Micah Kershner, Francis Yaroszeufski, the Anthracite Railroad Historical Society and the Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance will share insights into the community’s railroad past with displays and historical presentations.
Children’s activities will include a coloring contest and a cake-decorating class by Rachael’s Cake Corner.
The event will also feature the Lehighton Farmers Market, with vendors offering homemade and handmade goods. Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the market’s loyalty program and take advantage of produce that’s at the height of the season.
Organizers said the day will be both educational and fun, giving attendees an opportunity to connect with community members and learn about Lehighton’s history.
