Thursday was a day of celebration as the Penn State Extension office in Carbon County turned 100 years old.

The Carbon County Commissioners recognized the achievement of the department by signing a resolution celebrating the accomplishment. The event was followed by free ice cream from Penn State Creamery, dished out by extension volunteers in front of the courthouse annex.Stephen Alessi, client relationship manager for Penn State Extension, said that the organization plays a vital role in the community, from the 4-H programs that help youth learn about almost everything from agriculture to basket weaving, to the Master Gardeners program.He thanked the county for its support over the last 100 years and said that if it wasn't for that support, the extension office wouldn't be able to do as much as it has done."We're looking forward to the next 100 years," he said.The Carbon County Penn State Extension office was established in 1917 as the Carbon County Farm Bureau, later becoming the Agricultural Extension Association of Carbon County in 1924.It was created as a way to bring agricultural and home economics programs to residents in the area and has grown in popularity ever since.In 1918, the Pig Club was formed and became the basis of the 4-H program. Today, the Carbon County 4-H program encompasses over 100 different projects in dozens of subjects including agriculture, home economics, forestry, wildlife, leadership skills and more.To continue the celebration, the extension office will have a table set up at the farmers market in the park in Lehighton on Saturday and will host a 100th anniversary party in November at the Mahoning Valley Ambulance building.