Benjamin Franklin was there.

George and Martha Washington, too.

So too was a solid crowd who converged on Weissport on a blistering Saturday afternoon to celebrate Carbon County’s Fourth of July Parade in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The festivities got underway with a parade in the borough, home of the county’s Liberty Tree and America250 Liberty Bell.

It formed on Franklin and Park street, proceeded across Park down White Street, two blocks to Lime Street, and then across Lime and back up Franklin Street.

Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer, served as program coordinator, through sponsorship of Jacob’s Weissport Historical Society and Jacob’s U. C. C.

The lineup for the parade was done by Nick Smith, parade director.

There were historical lessons by the Masons: James Haja, Region 7 Educator, Grand Lodge of PA; Matthew R. Hawk, Past Master, Carbon Lodge; George B. Hixson, Past Commander, Valley of Allentown, A.A.S.R.; and Christopher L. Smith, D.D.G.M. 45th Masonic District.

There were, of course, special guests such as General George Washington (Curt Radabaugh), and Benjamin Franklin (Christian Hunsicker).

Before the parade, there were games for the children in the borough park which were run by Sandy Putkowski, Linda Hunsicker, Sarah Angilletta, and Pastor Sam Carey of Hope Church.

Mark and Susan Steber of East Penn Township said they were impressed with the parade.

“I think for the size of the town, they put on a great parade,” Mark Steber said. “I think they made Carbon County proud.”

The Fourth of July party then shifted to Lehighton with a block party at the Lehighton Borough Park.

That was followed by Lehighton’s annual fireworks spectacular along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard at 9:30 p.m.