Due to the forecast for reduced air quality and widespread thunderstorms, the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Lehighton Borough Parks & Recreation and presenting sponsor Mauch Chunk Trust Company, has announced that the Carbon County Community Festival has been postponed to Sunday

The decision to move the event from Saturday was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of festival attendees, vendors, entertainers, volunteers and staff.

The free festival will now take place Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Lehighton, bringing together local businesses, live entertainment, delicious food, family activities and community organizations for an afternoon celebrating everything Carbon County has to offer.

“This was not a decision we made lightly,” said Kylie Adams-Weiss, senior vice president of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation. “Our goal has always been to create a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. While we’re disappointed to postpone, we’re looking forward to welcoming the community on Sunday for what we know will be an incredible day together.”

This year’s expanded festival features live music, dozens of craft and business vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, a rock-climbing wall, a Shop Local Trail through downtown businesses (also rescheduled) and a Craft Beverage Garden featuring locally crafted wine and spirits for guests 21 and older. Festivalgoers are encouraged to spend the afternoon exploring downtown Lehighton while enjoying live entertainment, supporting local businesses and discovering unique vendors from throughout the region.

Live entertainment throughout the day will feature Brian Kidd from noon to 2:30 p.m. and Gone Country from 3:30-6 p.m.

Bad Influence, originally scheduled from 6-9 p.m., will now play on Saturday, July 26, in the Lehighton Bandshell, presented by Lehighton Borough Parks & Recreation.

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food vendors, including Uncle Louie G, Coastal Cravings, Digger’s Bar-BQ, Easton Treatery and Sunny Sips. Guests ages 21 and older can also relax in the Craft Beverage Garden, featuring locally produced wine and spirits from Easton Wine Project and Silverback Distillery.

The Lehighton Shop Local Trail invites attendees to visit participating downtown businesses throughout the festival. Free passports can be picked up at the Chamber Booth near the fountain in Colonel Jacob Weiss Park. Completed passports returned by 4 p.m. will be entered to win gift cards and gift baskets donated by participating businesses.

Residents are encouraged to bring their families, invite friends and join the community for one of Carbon County’s signature summer events. Admission is free, with food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase throughout the festival.

Sponsors include: Presenting sponsors, Mauch Chunk Trust Company and Lehighton Borough Parks & Recreation; entertainment sponsor, LVH-Carbon; community sponsor, Carbon PA CareerLink; marketing sponsor, Cypress Creek Energy; and supporting sponsors, St. Luke’s Carbon, Blue Mountain Resort and Lehigh Carbon Community College.