Coaster races returned to Lehighton last year for the first time in almost 100 years.

The event was such a hit, it returned to the streets of the borough Sunday during the town's inaugural Heritage Festival."The Lehighton 150th Anniversary Steering Board picked up on it last year, and that is the first we're aware of since 1923," said Clark Ritter, Lehighton Parks and Recreation Board chairman. "It's our idea now with the Lehighton Parks and Recreation Board to do it every year. We had 38 cars last year, and the way it looks today we have at least that if not more."Racers brought their cars to Second Street, near the Coal Street intersection, and took several practice runs before starting a double-elimination bracket-style tournament."The important thing to remember is we're all going to leave as friends," Rocky Ahner told competitors during a pre-race meeting. "It's a competition and it'll get heated, but at the end of the day we're all friends."Lehigh Fire Company No. 1 of Lehighton, social quarters paid for insurance and trophies for the event, Ahner said.Their sponsorship was pivotal in keeping with organizers' plans to make the races free for competitors."We'd rather not charge the kids, so it's a huge help when community organizations step forward," he added.Ahner said it costs around $1,100 to $1,200 to hold the races.Other supporters included the Shriners, Lehighton Fire and Rescue, Lehighton fire police, Lehighton borough staff, Lehighton Parks and Recreation, Blocker Enterprises and Lehighton Ambulance."I can't begin to thank them all enough," Ahner said. "It was a great community event on one of the hottest days of the year."Ritter said, the borough is still researching but believes the first coaster race was held in Lehighton on Oct. 17, 1923."Back then it was called a push-mobile race," he said. "It started at the Catholic church on Third and Coal streets. After too many crashes while making the turn onto Second Street, the races now start on Second Street."Looking past the competition, Ritter said the event teaches the kids about hard work and brings families together."The kids get an idea that the better things in life take work," he said. "It's a family thing. Dads and granddads help out the kids so it's a good thing all the way around for the family."Jacob Ferguson won the 8- to 11-year-old derby division, followed by Abby Steigerwalt and Cali Reed. Angelina Remito won the 12-16 derby division, followed by Hunter Raush and Latoya Raush.In the jalopy division, Brok Solt finished first in the 8-11 tournament, followed by Hunter Kintz and Makih Breiner.Grant Rimbey won the 12-16 jalopy division, followed by Maribel Ciancio and Than Glawee.