With pallets and lumber being piled higher and higher, the Jim Thorpe Olympians prepare for their annual bonfire before their Route 209 rivalry game with Lehighton Area High School.

This year's event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Jim Thorpe Area High School. The evening will include a special ceremony for senior football players, cheerleaders, band members and their parents.The event begins with the Touchdown Club sponsored dinner for the football players, cheerleaders, and band members at the high school.Beginning at 6 p.m., a parade of students, parents, and fans will be held starting at the front of the high school. The parade will circle around the high school and finish at the stadium. It is the first time a parade will be held to recognize the seniors.Once at the stadium, a recognition ceremony for senior football players, cheerleaders, band members and their parents will be held. Each student's accomplishments will be announced as they escorted by their parents through a color guard across the stadium.Concluding the ceremony, the parade will continue to the high school athletic parking lot for the lighting of the bonfire at 7 p.m. by Jim Thorpe Fire Department.The band will play their spirit building tunes and the cheerleaders will get all Olympians to raise their voices and spirits for Jim Thorpe.The event is free.