People came to Jim Thorpe Saturday to celebrate the birthday of the late Olympian. This is the 25th year the town has celebrated its namesake.

Members of Jim Thorpe High School Cross Country ran the distance from the monument to Josiah White Park. Makenzie Snyder carried the Olympic flame and lit the torch next to the gazebo.

“Welcome to the Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration,” emcee Mike Heery greeted the crowd. Heery led the opening ceremonies, introducing each of the guests.

Resa Hall, representing state Rep. Doyle Heffley, read a State House of Representatives Citation naming May 21, 2022, James Francis Thorpe Day in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “Whereas the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center is being honored as it commemorates the 25th anniversary of the annual Jim Thorpe Olympian Birthday event … held in honor of James Francis Thorpe, a Native American who was lauded as the Athlete of the 20th Century.”

Jim Thorpe Mayor Mike Sofranko addressed the crowd. “For those who are visiting Jim Thorpe, welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay here. For those who live here and are visiting us for the first time, or back many years, thank you for coming over. And I really want to thank the committee that put together this 25th year of this celebration.”

Coach Marie Rosahac presented medals to the JT Olympian Track team members.

“We just want to thank the Jim Thorpe community for always inviting us,” Rosahac said. “It’s a wonderful tradition and we always look forward to it every year. Thank you to the runners. Some of them were up all night at the All Night Party for the seniors, and for some alumni who joined us today. We appreciate you taking the time for helping us celebrate this wonderful occasion.”

Medals were presented to the track members who made the run: Makenzie Snyder, Ridge Snyder, Megan Rosahac, James O’Neal, Evan Brandenburg, Bowden Chicarelli, Jordan Remmel, Katelynn Bos, Lydia Wallace, Alexander Jenner, Bradyn Thompson, and John O’Toole.

The Jim Thorpe High School Cheerleaders performed several dance routines and cheers during the opening program.

A variety of food and craft vendors were on hand, as were live music and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Local Native American historian Donald Wild Eagle Wuebber was at the celebration.

“I’ve been coming here for many years, taking care of blessings,” Wuebber said. “I will be at the opening ceremony at the monument, offering prayers and smudging of the monument. I will have the opening prayers for all the community, and then back to the park for the opening ceremonies here, then later to perform Native American dancing.”

Several Native Americans were on hand to share the dances and costumes of the Native people.

It’s all in the family for Donald Wild Eagle. His wife, Patti, was there as well. Their granddaughter, Ayle Bell Romero, performed for the first time, with Shawl Dancing.

“I just want to thank everybody,” said event coordinator Ann Marie Fitzpatrick. “The cross country team, the cheerleaders, every year you come forward for us, and we really appreciate it.”

“It’s been quite a trip, the last 25 years, putting all this together,” added coordinator Ray Brader. “I just want to thank everybody because it’s just been an awesome group to put all this together.”

Crowds also enjoyed trolley rides, carriage rides, and train rides throughout the weekend.

“We want to thank everyone for coming,” Heery concluded. “Please enjoy the festival, enjoy the shops, the restaurants, and be sure to stop by the welcome tent for a piece of birthday cake.”