Newswatch 16 Meteorologist Joe Snedeker, a celebrity of sorts, visited Palmerton Monday as a stop on his "Go Joe" fundraising bike trek.

Even as the rain delayed his expected arrival by nearly an hour-and-a-half, the excitement never waned as fans anxiously awaited his visit to the borough park.Snedeker began his 16th annual "Go Joe" bike run to raise money for St. Joseph's Center Monday morning at Hazleton Area High School.After a short break at the Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company Fairgrounds, he resumed past Route 611 through Swiftwater and Scotrun to Route 715 toward Reeders and Brodheadsville.From there, he continued along Route 209 to Gilbert and Kresgeville, before he proceeded down Forest Inn Road and Delaware Avenue.As he arrived in the Palmerton Borough Park, Snedeker was greeted with cheers, signs and a hearty ovation.Snedeker said he was grateful to see so many people gather to show their support for such a worthwhile cause."I didn't know what to expect," Snedeker said. "It's very impressive."While there, Snedeker mingled with his fans, posed for photos, and signed several autographs.Reagan Medgie, Pocono Reporter for Newswatch 16, took the trek along with Snedeker.Medgie said the bike ride has been "one of the most memorable experiences I've had at Newswatch 16 to date."While the ride was physically grueling, Medgie added, "What made me keep going was raising money for such a good cause."Much like other communities, Palmerton created a festival-like atmosphere in the borough park, as there were games, raffles, and food. A DJ provided musical entertainment.Holly Sell, event co-coordinator, said the fact that visitors waited out the storm just to see Snedeker arrive speaks volumes about their dedication."We're excited," Sell said. "I think it's great for our community."Snedeker's ride resumed today, He started near Lehighton, and was expected to make his way to Orwigsburg, and later, Shamokin.His trek is scheduled to end on Friday, when Snedeker pulls into the St. Joseph's Center Festival in Scranton during the Festival 2013 Telethon. His son, Joey, will join him for the last leg of the ride into the St Joseph's Festival Telethon.All proceeds will be donated to "Go Joe's" charity of St. Joseph's Center, of which Snedeker hopes to build on the past 15-year total of over $1 million raised for the children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities of St. Joe's.For safety purposes, Snedeker asks that viewers refrain from attempting to join him on his ride. He also asks that fans not attempt to hand him money while he is biking.Donations will be accepted by 'lead' and 'chase' vehicles, as well as at the scheduled stops at midday and in the evening.They can also be mailed to Go Joe 16 by sending a check payable to St. Joseph's Center, care of WNEP, 16 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA, 18507.St. Joseph's Center is an independent Catholic agency sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.The Center strives to provide individuals and families who have special needs the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential to the fullest extent possible through residential, community and home-based services, out patient therapy, maternity, family and adoption services.