A fun new event is coming to Lehighton to help the community celebrate America at 250.

Lehighton Pool Pals Boat Regatta will be held May 23 at the Baer Memorial Swimming Pool, 1101 Bridge St.

The regatta will bring together residents, businesses and visitors from throughout Carbon County and beyond in a festive environment designed to provide lots of great entertainment. People are invited to cheer on their favorite paddling team.

In addition to the races, there will be a lineup of food and beverage vendors on-site, as well as music. Stay until the end to enjoy the music.

Participating teams of all ages will construct and decorate their own life-size cardboard boats. Boats will race in timed heats as teams row to a set location.

The event coincides with the opening day of the Lehighton pool and signals the beginning of the swimming season. Join to watch and cheer on the daring captains and crews as they race their cardboard boats from launch to finish line. Admission is free for the event.

People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and remain for the awards ceremony.

The races will begin at 1 p.m.

Before the event, participants will be constructing and decorating their own cardboard boats. The boat building class is planned for Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lehighton Outdoor Center. Cardboard and duct tape will be provided. The fee covers the cost of registration and participation in the event for each team.

Team members will then take their boat home and paint and decorate it to their liking. Entries will be judged based on their adherence to the historical theme.

For information, contact Diana Hoffman at 484-515-2812.