Twenty-five years after its last big celebration, the borough of Slatington is set to celebrate again, this time for its 150th, or sesquicentennial, anniversary that runs through Aug. 16.

"They've come up with a tremendous program," said planning committee co-chair Christy Haydt of the events committee's efforts to fill out the eight-day schedule.Compared with 1989's 125th anniversary of the borough's 1864 incorporation, he said he has been told by some of those committee members that although 1989's celebration also ran eight days, this year's schedule seems to "have things every day, all day."Things kicked off Saturday at the downtown trailhead at 8 a.m. with a 5K race and opening ceremonies at Victory Park.After a full day of events at the park, including musical entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, old-time and current kids games, a free swim at the Northern Lehigh Pool, slow cooker chili cook-off, cake walk and beard judging contest, the evening was capped off with two closing bands and fireworks.Other highlights throughout town during the week include historical wagon tours, an ox roast and the opening of the 1989 time capsule/revealing of the 2014 time capsule on Sunday, a steak fry on Monday, picnic and business scavenger hunt on Tuesday, clam bake and VFW military and veteran memorial display on Wednesday, old-time carnival and daylong youth events on Thursday, an 1864 Civil War era costume ball and dinner on Friday and a parade, "Era Dancing in the Streets" and block party on Saturday.Haydt added another reason the event planning has gone so well is due to the dedication of all of the volunteers and local charters."Slatington is a volunteer town," Haydt said.He mentioned that local businesses have also chipped in, including Bellview Pump which, when owners found out lighting was still an issue at Victory Park, donated two light towers, and Lehigh Engineering, which "has donated so much time and labor."He did say, however, that more volunteers are always welcome and suggested anyone interested contact

slatington150@gmail.com, 610-767-7256, the 150th Facebook page or the Memorabilia Store on Main Street.Haydt said the magnitude of the celebration should be something to experience. Or, as Charter Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Hazzard summed it up earlier, "It's going to be the best party Slatington has ever seen!"