Nesquehoning is preparing for a big weekend as it celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, the town’s 202nd anniversary and a weekend full of historic trains.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a free concert by the Cressona Band in the parking lot adjacent to the borough recreation center, 335 W. Railroad St. Those attending are urged to bring lawn chairs as seating is not provided.

On Saturday, the celebrations kick off at 9 a.m. with the departure of Reading & Northern’s 2102 excursion from its Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station to Pittston.

The borough’s events start at 10 a.m. on the east end of town, with a parade stepping off, traveling down Center Street and ending on West Railroad Street at the recreation center. A parade route and participants list will be previewed later this week.

The festival begins at noon on West Railroad Street and includes a number of activities for children and families, including free entertainment, food and craft vendors, coal shoveling and arm wrestling contests, face painting and more.

At approximately 6 p.m., Nesquehoning will welcome the 2102’s return trip, as well as the largest steam locomotive still in operation, Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014, as it chugs from Pittston to Reading & Northern’s Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station.

Fireworks at dusk conclude the day’s events.

“We have many people to thank for making the festivities of June 13 even a possibility in our town,” organizer Lois Kuba said on Facebook.

She highlighted Andy Muller and Reading & Northern Railroad, the Kovatch families, Panther Valley School District, borough police and various departments, and Kattners, just to name a few.

Parking will take place at various locations around the area with free shuttling for those attending the events.

Parking will include the CVS parking lot and Panther Valley elementary, middle and high schools, as well as vendor parking at Narrow Valley Sportsplex.

Further schedules for parking and other notable instructions will be posted on the Nesquehoning Historical Society and Nesquehoning police Department Facebook pages this week.

Volunteers for the event are still needed. Those interested should contact Kuba or any member of the recreation committee or historical society.

“Please know that all that are working together for this event,” Kuba said “(and all) are doing it with their love and the heartfelt spirit for the town of Nesquehoning. Our town. Our pride and story.”

The weekend concludes Sunday, with the departure of the Big Boy from the town, heading back to Pittston and on to Steamtown, where it will sit near its sister train, the 4012, until making its way to Jim Thorpe on July 1.

Traffic delays all weekend are expected, and borough police urge patience and cooperation during this time.

Reading & Northern Railroad’s Passenger Department posted on its Facebook page that no overnight parking or camping is permitted on the railroad’s property.

The parking lot for the railroad’s second Semiquincentennial Excursion will open at 6 a.m. Sunday for ticketed passengers only, with ticket purchase proof required for entry.

Carpooling is recommended as the train is sold out; however, overflow parking and shuttle service for ticketed passengers will be available from Westchester Plastics, 1 mile west on Route 54.

Passengers are urged to arrive at least one hour early, however earlier is preferable to allow for traffic delays.

The 2102 excursion will leave at 9 a.m., with the Big Boy leaving at 10 a.m.