Lehighton’s inaugural reboot of the Block Party went well. Hot temperatures and rain showers in the evening did not dampen the fun.

“We started small, but we plan to add more to it next year,” Autumn Abelovsky, a member of the Lehighton Parks and Recreation Board, who hosted the event. “This is our first year attempting to bring back the old-fashioned block party that many longtime locals will remember.”

Some ideas for next year include a beer tent, a clam tent, corn hole tournaments, and possibly the return of the coaster races.

The Sword Tag Society sold fudge, specialty hot dogs, and halushki. Digger’s Barbecue had barbecue, brisket, and ribs. Empanada Train featured a wide variety of empanadas. Rainbow Concoctions and freeze-dried candies. Ott’s Concession featured cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, snow cones, fried Oreos, and funnel cake.

Some games were set up for people to play, including corn hole, ring toss, archery, and more.

DJ Dave played music for the first few hours. Layne “The Doc” Roberts from Colossal Radio covered the second half right up until fireworks time.

Several food trucks were positioned along the Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard. UnCommon Grounds Coffee, Caribbean Island Cuisine, and Jenny’s Jump Junction, plus Trailside Events hosted The Taco King Food Truck, The Greek Shack, and Half Barrel Brewing Company.

The Lehighton Downtown Initiative hosted the fireworks display, presented by Shooting Star Fireworks of Slatedale.

“The fireworks went off on time and were beautiful,” Bambi Elsasser, community operations manager for the Lehighton Downtown Initiative exclaimed afterwards. “Thank you to Shooting Star Fireworks for an amazing show! The LDI thanks everyone for coming out this evening despite the weather.”

Sponsors of the fireworks show include: Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, Lehigh Fire Company #1 - Social Quarters, Remington & Vernick Engineers, Liberty Oil, All Points Towing, Iron Valley Real Estate Northeast, George’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, Home Comfort Solutions, Jim Thorpe Trolley, Lehighton Outdoor Center, and L.E. Williams Printing.

Abelovsky and Elsasser both thanked the Lehighton Fire Department and fire police, and the Lehighton Police Department for all their help in coordinating traffic and keeping everyone safe.