They held signs, chanted his name, and welcomed him with open arms as he rode his bike through the heart of downtown Lehighton.

Joe Snedeker, WNEP’s beloved weather forecaster, made several pit stops throughout various portions of Carbon County towns on Wednesday as part of his 26th annual Go-Joe charity bike ride. Earlier in the day, Snedeker made his way to Lansford, and then Nesquehoning. People in both towns raised funds for campaign for the St. Joseph Center.

St. Joseph’s Center provide people who have special needs the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential through residential, community and home-based services, outpatient therapy, maternity, family and adoption services.

Snedeker’s final Carbon stop was in Lehighton, where he arrived in the Lower Park just before 5:30 p.m. to a raucous ovation.

Greeted by throngs of visitors, Snedeker was escorted to the downtown borough park by the Lehighton Borough Police Department while the Lehighton Area High School Indian Pride Band welcomed him as he rode into the borough.

Bryan Buffington, band director, said about 40 members of the high school band took part in the festivities.

“I think this is wonderful for the community,” Buffington said. “Spirits have been high; it’s been a great time.”

Band member Robert Dwojewski, who will be a senior at Lehighton Area High School, said it was an experience he won’t soon forget.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Robert, 17. “It’s great for the community.”

Snedeker, who took time to meet with many of the guests in attendance, said he was humbled by the overwhelming support he received as he ended the day for the evening newscasts.

The event was all it could be and more, according to Bambi Elsasser, Lehighton Main Street Manager with the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp.

“It’s a great turnout,” Elsasser said. “People were here (already) at 2:30 p.m.”

Local downtown businesses had a collection bucket to help support Go Joe 26 and St. Joseph’s Center.

First Responders were there with equipment. Gombert Family Games had a bounce house.

Guests were able to get their faces painted as well.

Natalie Fink of Bowmanstown said Snedeker deserves the recognition for raising the proceeds, all of which will be donated to St. Joseph’s Center.

“I’m proud of him for helping people who have disabilities,” Fink said. “It just goes to show if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”