Lehighton Community Days opened Friday night with a special presentation to Jacob Vargson, for his winning design on the back of the Lehighton Bike Night T-shirt.

Vargson, a student at Carbon Career and Technical Institute and Lehighton Area High School, was awarded $100 by the Lehighton Downtown Initiative Committee. Vargson's graphic arts teacher at CCTI is Michele Klock.Second place winner was Steven Rodriguez for designing the front of the T-shirt while Trese Merkel was awarded third place and $50 for the design on the lady's T-shirt.Maritza Reinbold, LDIC artist, said that the winning design was selected by LDIC members.This first Lehighton festival of the season features rides by Metz Carnival Rides, games and a variety of "fair" foods, bingo and live entertainment. Friday night's entertainment was presented by Senile Delinquents and the Lehighton Juggle Club. The bingo was offered by Lehighton Pool Pals."We're pleased for the first night," said Todd Zimmerman, president of LDIC. "We have beautiful weather. We're pleased. You have to take baby steps."Zimmerman commended Karen Reichard, chairman for community days, for putting the event together.He added that a three-day festival is being considered for next year.Community Days will continue today from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Lehighton Community Grove.The day will open at 8 a.m with a yard sale/craft show/home party vendors/business expo.A highlight of the morning will be the start of the Lehighton Amazing Race, which will begin at the Lehighton Bandshell in the upper park in downtown Lehighton at 9 a.m. Top prize in the race is $1,000, second place is $250 and third place is $100.The committee will also unveil the Lehighton Civic Challenge at 10 a.m. when residents will adopt a flower plot in the downtown park.The Jukebox Cruisers will be showing off some classic cars and a DJ will be offering music from 1 to 4 p.m.The young and talented

A.D.D. rock band will be offering live music from 5 to 8 p.m.The day will cap off with an old fashioned cake walk from 6 to 7 p.m. that benefits the Trinity Food Pantry.LDIC is also planning 2012 Lehighton Bike Night on Saturday, Aug. 13 in the downtown parks and Second Street in Lehighton.