A swath of guests swarmed Baer Memorial Swimming Pool in Lehighton to show their support of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

A cardboard boat regatta featuring 22 boats from many community organizations and local businesses was held in honor of America 250PA on Thursday at Baer Memorial Swimming Pool in Lehighton.

The night included the dedication of a 20-foot umbrella in honor of America 250PA and a plaque honoring eight deceased Pool Pal members who gave time and talents to the community: Lawrence “Skip” Conarty, Lyle Christopher, Gail M. Steigerwalt, Stewart “Q” Alboucq, Geraldine “Geri” Haas, Linda L. Schoenberger, Barbara A. Christopher and Bessie E. Bauchspies.

The Pool Pal Memorial Swim Fund is named in their honor, according to Mark Hoffman, vice president, Lehighton Pool Pals.

“We did have a plaque that we recently just mounted that is hanging on the wall thanking the donors who contributed to help make the event possible,” Hoffman said. “We definitely appreciate all those sponsors who donated.”

Hoffman said they also dedicated the Pool Pal Memorial Plaque, as the Pool Pal Memorial Swim Fund has now been in existence for its fourth year and continues to grow.

This particular year, he said they were able to give away 31 Carbon County family season passes to Baer Memorial Swimming Pool, equivalent of $10,000.

“We’re proud of the fact we were able to raise that money,” Hoffman said. “Again, it wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors.”

Additionally, Hoffman said a $7,500, 20-foot umbrella was also part of the event.

“It looks festive,” he said. “More important, it provides shade on these hot days that eventually will get here.”

Make no mistake: The main event was the race itself.

“The people attending, the people participating, were all in a good mood,” Hoffman said. ““It could not have gone any better; it was classic.”

Diane Hoffman, president of Pool Pals, echoed her husband’s sentiment.

“It was just amazing seeing all the community groups and all the people lined around the pool, cheering for everybody going across that pool,” Diane Hoffman said. “It was heartwarming to see all the community organizations who were all there; it was so much fun. The creativity of the people making they’re historical boats, it was outstanding. It was wonderful.”

Dignitary judges included the likes of Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, George Washington and others.

The program began with the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the playing of “God Bless America” by the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band, dedications and a few short speeches by local dignitaries.

The regatta races were a series of timed heats with many featuring three boats at a time racing across the pool. There were trophies awarded to the five fastest boats, as well as a judges choice award and team spirit award. There was also a Titanic Award that is self-explanatory.

The pool was open to the community at no cost thanks to the generosity of the Lehighton Borough and Recreation Director Tom Evans. Stevie Ray Entertainment provided music and entertainment, and the concession stand was open with a host of food and drinks available for purchase.

Mark Hoffman credited Gail Maholick, a member of the Lehighton Lioness Club and Lehighton Pool Pals, for coming up with the idea.

Diane Hoffman said the hard work of Pool Pals volunteers and the generosity of the community made the donation a reality for families to enjoy the many benefits a community pool offers.

Hoffman said the selection committee members carefully look over all of applications that have been submitted for consideration.

The members of the committee utilize a decision tool to make sure all families are treated fairly while at the same time looking for families who will use the passes and have not received a pass the previous year.

More than 75 families applied for these family passes raised though a gift card bingo in March under the direction of Tracie Saunders, and generous donations from the community as well, said Mark Hoffman.

Hoffman said Wanda and Blaine Dietz donated enough money to award five families with a season pass along with Nick Weinrich, proprietor of Nick’s Fix it, who has donated a family pass over the past three years to this fund.

Hoffman thanked Trinity Lutheran Church also for its contributions to this fund over the years, as well as its support for the pool. The newest community pavilion constructed at the pool is named in honor of Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Lehighton pool has an array of amenities that sets it apart from many community pools. With a zero-entrance capability, the entrance supports access for handicapped people and is especially suitable for younger children.

The pool has slides in the deeper water, a refreshment stand, showers, a baby pool with covered seating and three pavilions to rent for parties.

Sponsors for the free admission for the regatta include Home Comfort Solutions, Trinity Lutheran Church, Lehighton Walmart, BEFESA Community Fund, Lehighton Outdoor Center, Uline, Thrivent Financial, Perfect Balance Boutique, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions; Lions Club, Behler Foundation, Majestic Fire Apparel, Wanda and Blaine Dietz, Larry Wittig and Nick Weinrich and the Lehighton Area Pool Pals.

Mark Hoffman pointed out that the Pool Pals have been together for 22 years, and wants to be around for a lot longer.

“We continue to grow in membership,” he said. “We just want to do whatever we can to ensure Pool Pals is there for a long time.”