The Earth Day festival has become one of spring's biggest events in Jim Thorpe.

Even despite the threat of rain, the annual Earth Day festivities attracted large crowds on Saturday which filled the county parking lot to capacity, brought thousands of people to the downtown area, and had quite a variety of events ranging from music to educational programs."This is wonderful," said Elaine Marrisho of Binghamton, N.Y. "It's my second time here for this and I'll come again. The people here are wonderful and the events are so diverse."There were events held at the train station, the Josiah White Park, the Dimmick Memorial Library, the Mauch Chunk Opera House, and the Race Street Park.Patrons could purchase crafts, perfumes, and refreshments, or view educational displays such as one by the Bureau of Forestry, which also handed out coloring books, rulers, and other items."I think this is great," said Ken Willing of Pottsville. "It creates an awareness of the environment and it's a lot of fun."