Jim Thorpe's annual Stay-At-Home Festival which was held at Memorial Park last Saturday and sponsored by American Legion Post 304 gave area residents a great reason to do just that stay at home for the 4th of July holiday.

Speaking on behalf of the American Legion, Legion President Kieth McQuait wished to express their appreciation to the major sponsors who helped make the event possible.The fireworks were sponsored by Mauch Chunk Trust Company, and the day long musical entertainment was sponsored by the Jim Thorpe National Bank.According to McQuait, there was a good turnout of festival goers, great bands, and thousands enjoying the spectacular fireworks display that evening.Kicking the day off, a full agenda of children's events in the morning made for a fun-filled day for children and parents alike.They competed in good old-fashioned games like their parents and grandparents would have participated in when they were their age.Among the children's events were a potato relay race, a water relay race, a peanut scramble, a watermelon eating contest, and a pie eating contest.They also enjoyed the many rides within Memorial Park itself as well as a visit by Buster the Clown.Live musical entertainment for the day was provided by the bands "Rolling Easy", "Nightwind', and "The Cherry Bombs".There was a variety of food and refreshments provided throughout the day by participating local volunteer organizations.Among those groups were the United Church of Christ; St. Joseph Church; and the Germantown Grove Club.There was also bingo, a classic car show, a 3v3 basketball tournament, a variety of games and also kid's rides by METZ Amusements.In addition to the members of the American Legion, they were assisted throughout the day by the many people who volunteered their time to help make the Festival a success.Capping off the Jim Thorpe Annual Stay-At-Home Festival at Memorial Park on Saturday night was a thunderous fireworks display that thrilled the thousands of spectators gathered there.