On a cool Saturday morning, over 100 participants gathered at the Lehighton Trailhead to participate in the 2nd Annual Hippy 5K Run/Walk. The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation and the Lehighton Fire Department sponsor the event.

Kathy Henderson, CCEDC's director of economic development, said, "This event was started in 2014 as a sustainable project by the leadership committee."The chamber collaborated with the Lehighton Fire Department to keep this event ongoing.Henderson said, "The money raised from this event by the chamber supports the scholarship fund that is open to all seniors enrolled in a business curriculum from any of the five school districts and the Carbon County Technical Institute."Joe Flickinger, firefighter and treasurer of the Lehighton Fire Department, said that "while the proceeds from the event go toward education and training of the firefighters, it is a great way for the fire department to help promote community involvement, which the Lehighton Fire Department prides itself as being an active participant in the community."Both Flickinger and Henderson thanked the volunteers from both agencies, as well as the sponsors of the event, saying that without them the event would not be as successful as it is.Robert Muscovitch finished the run with a time of 19.27 to come in first in the male category.Brianna Fitzpatrick finished first in the female category with a time of 23.25 minutes.Donna Herzog and Gwen Keefer or Towamensing Township said they came out to support the worthy cause and their friend who volunteers with the event.Lt. Scott Smith of the Lehighton Fire Department said while warming up for the event, "I am here running to support my fellow firefighters and this great community."