Nesquehoning officials reflected on the recent America 250/Nesquehoning 202 celebrations that took place June 13.

The day included trains, a parade, American plane flyover, festival, music and fireworks.

On Wednesday, borough secretary/treasurer Deb DelFranco read a letter from police Chief Brad Hess, who was unable to attend the monthly council meeting.

Hess called the event a “tremendous success” and credited the community for coming together.

“What our community witnessed over those two days was far more than a parade and festival, train excursions, the arrival of the historic Big Boy locomotive and a firework display,” he wrote. “What we witnessed was what can happen when people come together with a common purpose and a commitment to serving something larger than themselves.”

He thanked borough council for supporting the police department in the coordination of enforcement throughout the day, which included blocking off Center and Railroad streets, maintaining a traffic flow on Catawissa Street and Route 54 and overseeing crowds during Big Boy’s visit.

“The public saw the finished product, but they did not see the months of planning, preparation, coordination and long hours that went into making this event run safely and smoothly,” Hess said.

Council thanked the businesses, county agencies, nonprofits, school district, volunteers, railroads and visitors for making the event a memorable celebration.

He also thanked the residents for their cooperation and showing community pride.

“We received many compliments throughout the two-day event, but one in particular stood out,” Hess wrote. “(A) special agent of the Union Pacific Railroad Police approached me during the event and it’s very important to understand that these agents have traveled across the country with the Big Boy locomotive and have seen countless communities. (He) told me that of all the locations that they visited, Nesquehoning was among the most well prepared and well organized. Hearing that from someone with that level of experience was incredibly meaningful. More than anything, it serves as a testament to the hard work, planning and teamwork of everyone involved.”

Councilwoman Lois Kuba, who was part of the event committee for the festivities, and Mayor Tom Kattner echoed the chief’s thoughts, saying the day couldn’t have been any more perfect and thanked everyone for coming together to celebrate this historic milestone.