Lehighton's sesquicentennial had an unquestionably "grand" finale Saturday.

During the day, a four-division parade with seven bands and every generation of the 150 years of Lehighton's history represented, marched through the streets of the community. The evening concluded with a large fireworks display that erupted along the banks of the Lehigh River.Autumn Abelovsky, secretary of the sesquicentennial committee, was thrilled with the weeklong event."People saw things in the parade they never saw in Lehighton," she said. Among them was an authentic mummers band, a regal display by the Pennsylvania Masons including a float and participation by the Grand Master, a large gathering of Shriners and bands ranging from bagpipes to high school to military."Everyone we had booked and reserved for the parade showed up," Abelovsky said.She said the ideal weather conditions contributed to the success of the final events.She said she and her 15-member committee had two primary goals in mind in organizing the parade."We tried to span the entire 150 years of Lehighton into it," she said."I really think the celebration really brought our small community together."The parade featured people dressed as Native Americans, participants wearing colonial garb, flappers from the Roaring '20s, war veterans, fire apparatus from several communities, political leaders and members of Lehighton Borough Council.Abelovsky said she was approached by numerous people who said they feel a Fourth of July weekend parade and fireworks should become annual events in Lehighton.She agreed that this is a good idea, but for now, she wouldn't be interested in leading the efforts."I need to take a little break," she said. "I'm hoping somebody will spearhead it."Parade spectator Thomas Rodgers, who moved to Bethlehem from Lehighton about 35 years ago, came to see the parade and was impressed."This was a fabulous parade. There was a lot of variety. It was put together nicely. There weren't many large breaks and it was enjoyable," Rogers said.From beginning to end people lined the parade route, sitting on the curb, or porches or on chairs.Grand marshals of the parade were Lamont Ebbert and Gordon Ripkey, well-known historians in the town who helped the committee with research and events.The duo has a long history serving in administration and coaching for the Lehighton Area School District and published a book in 2013 titled "The History of Lehighton."John "Wassy" Lynn Sr. was announced as Lehighton's "Citizen of the Century."He is a former golf pro at Mahoning Country Club, Franklin Township Little League umpire and Lehighton Booster Club coach.Lynn rode in a convertible for the parade.John and Sara Dalton rode in a horse-drawn buggy, attired as "Mr. and Mrs. Sesquicentennial."The Lehighton Fire Department was well-represented with about 40 marchers led by Fire Chief Patrick Mriss, all nattily dressed in navy blue uniforms.A half-dozen mounted horses from the Pennsylvania State Police headquarters in Hershey drew applause all along the parade route.