The Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration is set to return in 2024 under the organization of the local tourism agency.

A one-day affair scheduled for May 18, the event is designed to bring the community together to honor Jim Thorpe, a multi-sport icon and Olympic gold medalist, according to Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency President James Dougher.

“The new event is designed to be a community celebration, rather than a tourist event, with all activities conducted on the east side of town,” Dougher said in a letter to Jim Thorpe Borough and Jim Thorpe Area School District.

The day’s festivities will kick off with a traditional Native American “Smudge Ceremony” at the Jim Thorpe Monument, followed by a symbolic “Olympian Torch Run” to Jim Thorpe High School. The celebration will then continue at the high school with an opening ceremony and culminate in a Native American Festival on the school grounds.

Last week, Jim Thorpe Area School District’s board of directors approved use of the stadium for the elementary track and field competition and the high school auditorium for lectures and demonstrations.

For over 25 years, the Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration was spearheaded by Anne Marie Fitzpatrick and Ray Brader. However, Dougher said, in 2023, they felt the time had come to pass the torch to the JTTA.

“Anne Marie and Ray communicated to the JTTA that they would no longer organize the event and asked the JTTA to continue the celebration of our town’s namesake,” Dougher said.

While the JTTA ultimately decided not to hold the event in its full form in 2023 due to time constraints, Dougher said the organization recognized its importance to the community and began planning for 2024.

The Smudge Ceremony, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., will be led by Don Wild Eagle and include a Medicine Horse performance, national anthem by Terry Strongheart and a presentation of flowers. The torch run will leave the monument at 11 a.m.

The noon opening ceremony at the high school will feature a reading of a state proclamation and include remarks from local dignitaries.

Native American Festival attendees can expect a variety of lectures, live demonstrations showcasing traditional crafts and skills, and booths featuring Native American food and art vendors.

“This is a great event recognizing our namesake,” Council President Greg Strubinger said. “Anne Marie and Ray did a great job for 25 years and we thank the JTTA for their work in organizing it now.”