“Let’s make 2026 EPIC.”

That was the message given to Carbon County and state officials during the America250PA kickoff event for Carbon County Thursday afternoon.

The event, which officially kicked off the year of celebrating America’s 250th birthday, was held at Jim Thorpe Area High School after being moved from Memorial Hall because of a water leak forced the building to close to the public.

Leo Malsky, director of operations for America250, opened the celebration.

“Today is a beautiful day in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania,” he said.

America250PA has worked with all 67 counties to plan over 400 events in local communities for this “once-in-a-lifetime generation celebration.”

Malsky thanked sponsors from across the commonwealth for helping to make events celebrating the semiquincentennial.

“Today we are here in Carbon County, celebrating the state of America’s 250th anniversary and the role communities just like this one continue to play in our shared history,” Malsky said.

He also pointed to some points in history for the area that helped shape the country. These included the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railroad, built in 1827, transported coal and became one of America’s earliest and most influential rail lines, later drawing thousands of visitors as one of the country’s first scenic railways; the anthracite coal fields that helped fuel early American industry; and the conservation and preservation efforts to maintain the natural beauty found within the county.

“Carbon County has combined technical innovation, natural resource leadership and civic pride to leave a lasting mark on Pennsylvania and the nation,” Malsky said. “That story continues today through America250 PA.”

He outlined a number of events that have already taken place leading up to 2026, as well as teased the upcoming events for the coming months.

Commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko echoed Malsky’s thoughts, adding in local ties through his roles both as a county commissioner and a former Jim Thorpe mayor.

“As you’re going to the events, there’s a few questions you always ask yourself: who, what, when and where. Who was involved in it? When did it happen? When and where? We need to answer those questions. ... But there’s one question you got to ask yourself and it’s why? Why are we here 250 years? Why is Carbon County here?

“A quote I saw was ‘We can complain because the rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.’ I think that’s what separates the United States from any other country in the world. We know there are thorns out there, but we’re the roses. That’s why we’re still here 250 years later. That’s why we’re going to be here 250 years from now. That’s why Carbon County is still here and that’s why the communities in Carbon County still thrive. ...

“The room is full of roses,” Sofranko added, pointed out the many individuals and groups who have come together to lead the charge in planning the celebration events.

Kim Werley, Carbon County’s America250PA representative, then spoke about the importance of this year and attending the celebrations throughout the county this year.

“There’s so much buzz,” she said. “Many communities and organizations have their own unique celebrations planned and we’re just getting started. There will be something for everyone.”

For example, over the last several months, the group unveiled Carbon’s Bell Across PA in Weissport Park; worked with the Carbon County Veterans Affairs to present the first Freedom Medals to five distinguished veterans; and participated in the Carbon County Veterans Day parade.

There is so much more yet to come, including a passport program, historical societies hosting events, a boat regatta and a performance by the United States Army Band.

“Many of us were able to share stories about the wonderful things we remember from our country’s Bicentennial 50 years ago,” Werley said. “We hope this generation will remember this year the same way, showing pride in our heritage, our communities and our country. Please get involved. Support, participate, but mostly have fun celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.”

State Rep. Doyle Heffley and Commissioner Wayne Nothstein also addressed the crowd, while Angela Nardini sang the national anthem and several county residents dressed in colonial attire, representing Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Betsy Ross and colonists.

The event concluded with Malsky presenting Nothstein with an America250PA flag, which the county would like to see hung at various municipal events throughout the year.

For more information on upcoming events or planning, visit https://www.poconomountains.com/america250pa/carbon-county; email Werley at mwerley@ptd.net; or follow on Facebook at America250PA - Carbon County.