The Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency will be sponsoring its 23rd annual Jim Thorpe birthday weekend on Saturday and Sunday. This event is in honor of James Francis Thorpe, a Native American and “Athlete of the 20th Century.”

The festivities start off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a Native American Tribute at the Jim Thorpe Mausoleum along with Don Wild Eagle, John Thorpe (grandson), Carlisle guests and Native Americans.

At 11 a.m. the Olympian cross-country and track teams will carry the lighted torch from the monument to the Jim Thorpe High School Stadium to light the Olympic Torch for the Special Olympic track and field competition and then down 903 to the Heights, down Opera House Hill and then down Broadway to Josiah White Park for the lighting of our Olympic torch.

The varsity cheerleaders will stretch a ribbon across Broadway in front of the Carbon County courthouse before the arrival of the runners. Medals will be awarded to the team and coach and the resolution that state Rep. Doyle Heffley had the Pennsylvania House pass declaring that May 19 has been named “James Francis Thorpe Day” in the commonwealth will be read. Town dignitaries will also be invited to honor this occasion with their presence.

A large birthday cake will be presented, cut and pieces sold in Josiah White Park as part of the festivities.

The event includes appearances in Josiah White Park and Dimmick library:

• Brad and Luke Duo, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Sunday

• Earth lore and dance by Don Wild Eagle and family, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to noon Sunday

• Medicine Horse Drum Group, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday

• Buster the Clown for the children, throughout the day Saturday and Sunday

• The Faculty Brass Strolling through town, Saturday and Sunday

• Terry Strongheart, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday (Dimmick library and gazebo)

• John Lyons, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday (Dimmick library and gazebo)

• Train rides, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.​

Mauch Chunk Opera House:

• N.Y.’s finest/police tribute, Saturday

• Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, Sunday