Lehighton plans to tap into its history as a railroad town.

The borough hopes to capitalize on its storied past when its hosts Railroad Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market in the downtown borough park.

Bambi Elsasser, community operations director, LDI, noted that the LDI recently acquired the caboose on Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard.

“Our goal is to refurbish the caboose to its original state with an area for all to enjoy,” Elsasser said. “We are organizing a fun day to learn about the railroad history of Lehighton.”

Lehighton Downtown Initiative recently received a $5,000 grant from the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau toward refurbishing the caboose.

Elsasser said experts will be on hand to discuss the history and have railroad displays.

She said they are currently selling raffle tickets to help fund the restoration of the caboose.

Elsasser said that for those who purchase tickets, there will be chances to win a vacation of your choice up to $6,000.

Tickets can be purchased at Railroad Day, weekly at the Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market, The Styling Zone, Home Comfort Solutions, The Boatyard or from an LDI member.

The drawing will be held at the Hometown Vintage Christmas.

“We would appreciate your support as our goal is to have the caboose painted by the end of the year,” Elsasser said.

She said kids activities will be available including a cake decorating class from Rachael’s Cake Corner, a coloring contest and more.

Elsasser reminded guests to attend the farmers market for all of their grocery needs, as all items are homegrown, homemade and handmade.

“What a great time of the year to visit the market as produce is at the height of the season,” she said. “Come out and sign up for our loyalty program.”

Elsasser said railroad attendees will include Lehigh Valley Railroad Vets, Micah Kershner, Francis Yaroszeufski, Anthracite Railroad Historical Society; and the Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance.

She gave special thanks to the farmers market sponsors: Iron Valley Real Estate Northeast; The Times News; Community Bank; Yvette’s Property Management; Key Bank; AT&T; and American Remodeling.

In December 2023, dozens of guests joined members of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation for the dedication of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Caboose at the Lehighton D&L Trailhead.

It took two years for the chamber to secure the funding to purchase the caboose from the Reading and Northern Railroad. There were anonymous donors who helped fund it.

From there, it was a matter of going through the process of the Lehighton Water Authority, which owns that portion of the property; receiving approval from the borough, and scheduling the tracks, trucking company, crane, Jim Thorpe Police Department and Lehighton Police Department so they could deliver it.

Volunteers placed the ties on the track. The Lehighton Borough Public Works Department, with Supervisor Kris Kunkle, pushed down the crushed stone and bed itself.

The railroad donated the track and had it delivered to the site.