Sunday was “Larry Arner Day” not only at the Palmerton Memorial Park Swimming Pool, but in the whole town of Palmerton.

Mayor Chris Olivia said so.

The mayor presented Arner with a proclamation that declared Sunday as “Larry Arner Day” in Palmerton during a ceremony at the pool marking Arner’s final official day as pool manager.

Arner retired effective Sunday after serving as manager for 35 years.

He also received a citation from state Rep. Doyle Heffley on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Victor Jahelka, president of the Palmerton Memorial Park Pool Association, presented Arner and his wife, Susie, with a metal plate that had a black background and silver lettering which stated: “In appreciation of Larry Arner, Susie Arner and their family for the many years of dedicated service.”

A large cake was cut and distributed to those who visited the pool. Free hot dogs and refreshments were also available.

Arner said the pool will be managed by his son, Lee Arner, and Gretchen Laviolette. He said health problems had prevented him from visiting the pool at times this summer, and the two had served in that capacity in his absence.

Frank Carazo served as the master of ceremonies.

Joseph Loch, a board member of the association, related stores about Arner, including Arner’s attendance at the pool as a child.

Several hundred people were on hand for the presentations.

At one point, a group of young people gathered on the diving board and then dove off it in a way to purposely, but in the spirit of fun, cause Arner to yell at them to “get out,” gesturing with his right hand as if he were tossing them off the property. But it was all a humorous stunt.

Arner said he will, of course, continue to be a regular visitor to the pool during his retirement.