The 15th annual Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration was held this past weekend, in the town that bears his name, by the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce with festivities at Josiah White Park in the downtown section of town.

The weekend's activities there started out Saturday with beautiful weather with large crowds in attendance to honor "the World's Greatest Athlete" on his 123rd birthday.In addition to all of the activity in the downtown area of Jim Thorpe, the weekend celebration had begun with a Native American tribute to Jim Thorpe and a statue dedication at his mausoleum on the east side of the town which was followed by a Special Olympics track and field competition at the high school stadium.Relaying a torch from the mausoleum to the Special Olympics track and field competition was the Jim Thorpe Area High School cross country team which then proceeded to run the torch across town to the West side of the borough.The Jim Thorpe cheerleaders had performed at Josiah White Park and then proceeded over to the front of the court house to stretch a ribbon across Broadway awaiting the arrival of the High School cross country team.After reaching the ribbon, the cross country team then headed over to to Josiah White Park to light a torch there in Jim Thorpe's honor.Food stands, vendors, live entertainment in the Gazebo at Josiah White Park, and a large birthday cake honoring Jim Thorpe were only part of the weekend celebration.Native Americans including Don Wild Eagle were also present both days to perform Native American dances for the area residents and visitors.In addition, the musical duo of Brad and Luke filled Josiah White Park with music performed in the Gazebo located there.Even more music drifted about the streets of town during the celebration, as the Faculty Brass strolled about the byways delighting visitors with their unique music.For the younger set and young at heart, Buster the Clown was on hand to entertain and and thrill the kids there with a wide variety of balloon animals.Up and down Broadway, Race Street, and Hazard Square, shops, restaurants, and attractions were also open for visitor's enjoyment.There were also musical performances each day at the Dimmick Memorial Library and in Opera House Square.