Lansford borough council will be joining in the celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday next year.

Borough council approved a resolution Wednesday to join the America250PA effort in Pennsylvania, which has multiple projects and programs for communities to recognize the milestone.

Councilwoman Michele Bartek pointed out that Lansford borough will also be celebrating its 150th the same year, when presenting the resolution to council.

She’d like to combine the celebrations, bringing all of the borough’s community groups, organizations, churches together for huge celebration, much like the borough did for the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

Bartek envisions a three-day weekend, where they can host different events, and work in conjunction with No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum as well as the Lansford Historical Society with people talking about the area’s history and heritage.

“Then have a huge picnic down at Ashton Park and fireworks,” she said.

Bartek pointed out that there is funding opportunities available with the America250PA platform, which include grants of $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 that borough could apply for.

“Honestly, it’s going to take a lot of money to raise to do something like this,” Bartek said.

She would like to start planning and looking at funding opportunities now to get the ball rolling, she said.

150th Kickoff

One community group, Lansford Alive, hosted a meeting earlier this month to begin planning for the borough’s 150th and a kickoff meeting is set for Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Lansford American Legion Post 123.

The group is inviting all those interested to attend the kickoff, where they will talk about planning events, raising funds, creating a logo, ideas for memorabilia, a time capsule and getting more people involved.

The last big celebration was in 2001, when Lansford turned 125, and previously the bicentennial in 1976, which included a parade, fireworks, anniversary book, carnival and more.

Lansford Alive will have items from both celebrations on display during the meeting.