With Broadway lined with hundreds of spectators Friday night, the "Olde Time Christmas" celebration in Historic Jim Thorpe kicked off three weekends of Yuletide celebration with an event coordinator Pat Handwerk described as "the largest Christmas Parade ever in Jim Thorpe."

The marchers, musicians, and organizations participating in the Christmas Parade moved down a seasonally-adorned Broadway, beaming with holiday lights on trees, homes, and store fronts.The parade, which was organized by the Olde Time Christmas Committee, kicked off a variety of activities and things to see and do in Jim Thorpe.The parade ended at Josiah White Park where the holiday's festivities officially kicked off with the lighting of the large Christmas tree standing near the train station.The Olde Time Christmas Celebration is sponsored by the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce.Many of the town's merchants, including hotels, restaurants, and shop owners, helped with financial support. Five major Gold Level sponsors were Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Mauch Chunk Trust Co., Jim Thorpe Accommodations Committee, Giant Food Markets, and Country Junction."It was a great turnout and we're delighted that everyone had a good time," Handwerk noted. "We thank everyone who was in the parade and everybody that came out to see it."Handwerk said plans are already in the works to make next year's parade even bigger.The Olde Time Christmas Celebration will continue through the next two weekends - Dec. 10 and 11, and 17 and 18.To check on specific times of the individual events and for additional information about the remainder of the Olde Time Christmas Celebration, go to

www.jimthorpeoldetimechristmas.com.