Each year, the historic and picturesque town that bears his name commemorates the life and legacy of the great Native American Indian athlete - Jim Thorpe.

Plans are well underway for this year's Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration - which will take place Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Vendors are currently being sought for the festivities scheduled in Josiah White Park at the Train Station in Jim Thorpe."I feel that it's so important to celebrate the accomplishments of Jim Thorpe - the man," said Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration Event Coordinator Anne Marie Fitzpatrick.Ray Brader, Co-Event Coordinator, was quick to add, "Especially this year being the 50th anniversary of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame."Throughout the weekend, there will be free musical performances; Native American Indian folklore, dancing, drumming, and tributes; activities with Jim Thorpe High School Olympians athletes; Carbon County Special Olympics competitions; and the cutting of a large birthday cake.Ceremonies with special guests will include Jim Thorpe's grandson - John Thorpe - of Lake Tahoe, CA; Gunilla Lyden from Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden; retired Sports Director Chuck Gentile and his wife, Wanda, of Carlisle, PA; United States Army War College dignitaries; and Coach George "Chuck" Hanna's 1971-72 Jim Thorpe High School Olympians basketball team known collectively as "The Iron Five" - Dan Albeck, George Albert, Don Herman, Jim Thorpe Kmetz, and Jim Zurn.In addition to the crafters and other vendors, there will also be food vendors; a clown; a large Chinese Auction; and more.For more information about the Birthday Celebration and vendor opportunities, contact Co-Event Coordinators Brader and Fitzpatrick at Nature's Trail at (570) 325-9281 or at

amnt1@ptd.net or visit

www.JimThorpe.org.