Plans are moving forward in Jim Thorpe to mark America’s 250th anniversary with a celebration focused on residents and local involvement. Jim Thorpe Borough Council pledged support for two separate initiatives Thursday night — both with a common goal of uniting the community and commemorating the milestone in a meaningful way.

Jim Logue, president-elect of the Jim Thorpe Lions Club and a member of the America250 Carbon County steering committee, addressed the borough council last week about coordinating efforts with other organizations to recognize the nation’s semi-quincentennial in 2026.

Logue proposed a community-wide picnic to be held at Memorial Park, assuming it is available. He said the idea is to invite various groups — fire companies, sporting clubs, scouting organizations, schools — and allow each one to set up its own tent or stand.

“That way each group can be involved, and they can do their own particular thing they’re good at,” Logue said. “Some might do food. Some might do games for kids, games for adults, all kinds of things that get the whole community involved.”

Logue noted that other municipalities already have events planned, including parades and festivals.

“We don’t want Jim Thorpe to be left behind,” he said.

A second effort is being organized by a newly formed committee made up primarily of members from Jim Thorpe’s local social clubs.

“I’ve stepped forward as a volunteer to be the glue of the social clubs,” Dave Gasker said. “We wanted to form a committee to bring people together — residents — to celebrate and to coordinate our county semi-quincentennial celebration from July 2 to July 5, 2026, right here in Jim Thorpe.”

Gasker emphasized that while the federal America250 program exists, this committee’s efforts are not affiliated with it. He said he has coordinated with the county’s America250 representative and Logue to keep them informed.

The goal, according to Gasker, is to hold events at multiple locations, predominantly at the various social clubs.

“Each social club will operate independently, using their own members, facilities, and partnering with nonprofit organizations to aid in providing services and events for the celebrations,” he said.

The target audience is area residents.

“Nothing is done anymore just for the residents,” Gasker said, relaying concerns shared by many local clubs. “We are not — and this is what the social clubs were very adamant about — we do not want to advertise on the Jim Thorpe tourist promotions agency website and the Pocono tourism. This is for residents.”

He cited a recent block party organized by the Union Publick House that drew praise from attendees for its local feel.

“It was like the Memorial Park of years ago,” he said. “You knew everyone and if you didn’t know the person, you recognized their face. And that’s what the social clubs really want.”

The committee held its first meeting with representatives of local clubs and a second, larger meeting is planned for early August.

A financial structure has also been outlined. Gasker said all profits after expenses will be donated to the Jim Thorpe fire companies, and a ledger will be kept open for inspection.

The committee’s first fundraiser is already underway — a button sale featuring an engraved design that reads “1776-2026, 250th Anniversary of Independence” and includes the event dates and location. “We have 250 of these, and they’re engraved with a number on the back from one to 250,” Gasker said.

Council member Greg Strubinger expressed hope that the celebrations could revive some of Jim Thorpe’s past community traditions.

“We’ve been hoping some of these activities or celebrations can reinvigorate some of the old traditions… and bring some of those things back with a greater sense of community,” he said.

Both organizers indicated they are open to coordinating efforts.

“We’re more than happy to work with Jim, if the plans for Memorial Park from the Lions go through — that would be a great addition,” Gasker said.