Palmerton continues to gear up for its much anticipated centennial celebration in 2012.

Information on banners, a centennial kick-off dinner, a poster contest and plans for a commemorative publication were shared recently with members of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce.Peter Kern, chamber president, said 50 brand new banners could adorn Delaware Avenue by September.The banners - blue in color, with the words "Welcome to Palmerton" and a depiction of the bandstand and the legend Inc. 1912 - will replace ones from 10 years ago, Kern said.Also, Kern announced that a centennial kick-off will be held Sept. 20 at Blue Ridge Country Club.Meanwhile, residents who live in the Palmerton Area School District have until May 31 to submit poster designs to commemorate the centennial, Kern said.The top poster will win a grand prize of $250. Five $50 honorable mention awards will also be given out.Those interested in the contest must submit an entry form to the Palmerton Area Heritage Center, located at 410 Delaware Avenue.The poster image must be no smaller than 11 inches by 17 inches high. Larger images may be submitted, but must retain proportions of 11x17.It must promote the 100th anniversary of the borough's 1912 incorporation, and may include relevant images, text, and graphic or historic elements.Finally, the poster must include text prominently displayed on the poster that says Incorporation of the Borough of Palmerton 1912-2012.For more information, call (610) 824-6954, or email

cindyg8@ptd.net.In addition, Kern said a commemorative postcards collection has been started to reflect on the first 50 years of the borough. The book will be a part of the centennial celebration as well, Kern said.The centennial celebration will be held on Oct. 14, 2012. The borough was officially incorporated on Oct. 14, 1912.Also on Tuesday, the chamber heard from several members of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce who were in attendance.Greg Rentschler, of Rentschler Chrysler - Jeep - Dodge - Chevrolet who is a member of the GNLCC, said the group meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Terrace Restaurant in Walnutport.Ellie Passman, vice president, regional chambers, said a municipal update will be the topic of the GNLCC's June meeting.Gary Fedorcha, past president of the GNLCC, invited the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce to attend the June meeting.He said that since the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce holds their meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, the GNLCC would push back its June meeting to the second Tuesday of June to accommodate the Palmerton Chamber.The upcoming schedule for the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce is as follows:• Noon, Tuesday, May 9, at Bert's Steakhouse.• Noon, Tuesday, June 14, at the Terrace Restaurant.• No meeting in July.• Noon, Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Bert's Steakhouse.