Carbon County is providing nonprofit organizations with an opportunity to hold fundraisers in Josiah White Park.

During the board of commissioners’ last meeting, the board ratified the termination of a concession lease agreement with Michelle Greek for a mobile food and refreshment concession in the park in downtown Jim Thorpe.

Commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko said that it wasn’t the county’s decision not to renew Greek’s lease, but following Greek’s decision, Commissioner Wayne Nothstein suggested leaving that spot open for possible opportunities for nonprofits.

“We came up with an idea that we’re going to hold that spot and offer it to nonprofit organizations,” Sofranko said, adding that the details of how this would work are still being finalized.

The remaining spot in the park will be on a rotating basis, whether it is for a full weekend or a week, will be determined. There are currently five leased food vendor spots in Josiah White Park.

“The three commissioners all agree that there are many great nonprofit organizations around this count, whether church, youth groups, Boys Scouts or Girl Scouts, you name it, it’s out there and we obviously get visitors here in Jim Thorpe,” Sofranko said. “We want to give the opportunity to those organizations to come in here and maybe use it as a fundraiser. ...

“It’s a great way to spread that around the county and give everybody the opportunity.”

Sofranko said that once a schedule is formed, they will see what availability is left and may open it to regular vendors to come in for that week or weekend.

“We just want to make sure that every nonprofit throughout the county has the opportunity,” he said.

Nothstein said that his idea came about after a Boy Scout troop got knocked out from one of its fundraisers last year.

He said that while the spot was leased, there would not be a fee for nonprofits because “nonprofits throughout the area can’t afford to be here every week.”

“We want to give as many nonprofits as possible to come to the park and maybe make a little bit of funds for their organizations,” Nothstein said

While some weekends are busier than others, like the weekends in the fall, there are a lot of other weekends that can benefit these organizations.

“There’s always an opportunity to make some money there,” Sofranko said.

Organizations interested in this opportunity can call the commissioners’ office at 570-325-3611 to receive an application. Information will also be posted on the county website once it is available.