First Friday in Lansford, spotlighting local history and showcasing local businesses, returns this week after a two-year hiatus.

Visitors can also explore local history with a self-guided tour and by visiting the world’s oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mine.

Local stores, restaurants and bars will have special offers and hours.

The event, started by Lansford Alive five years ago, was put on hold during the pandemic.

“We’re happy to say it’s coming back,” said Christopher Ondrus, president of Lansford Alive.

The self-guided tour includes historic sites made famous by the Molly Maguires and the “Old Company,” – the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co.

Tour brochures are available at the Lansford Historical Society Museum, 300 E. Bertsch St., open noon-4 p.m. for first Friday.

Tour brochures are also available at Construction Clearance, 99 Riley St., which will have extended hours 9 a.m.-8 p.m. as well as live auctions and a roulette wheel of savings.

The No. 9 Mine & Museum, 9 Dock St., is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The American Cancer Society, 33 W. Ridge St., will be selling CMP sundaes and ice cream floats from noon-4 p.m.

Local restaurants and bars participating in the event and offering specials include

• The 80’s Bar, 634 E. Patterson St., open 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m.;

• Cabrera’s Pizzeria, 161 W. Ridge St., open 7 a.m.-9 p.m.;

• Coal Miners Bar & Grill, 13 Center St., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.;

• Marco’s Pizza, 10 W. Ridge St., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.;

• Serina’s Bakery, 22 W. Ridge St., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

“I’m really happy to see 11 businesses and organizations were happy to take part in this, and we’re hoping to expand,” Ondrus said.

First Friday will continue Aug. 5 and Sept. 2.

For more information, visit discoverlansfordpa.com.