Organizers for Lansford Borough’s 150th anniversary began initial discussions on what that celebration in 2026 could look like.

Members of Lansford Alive, Lansford Borough Council, the American Legion and others met Tuesday to start planning what could be a multiday celebration with food, music, a car show and more.

2026 is also the year the nation will be celebrating its 250th anniversary, and events through America250PA could enhance the borough’s efforts.

Lansford Alive’s president, Chris Ondrus, who served as chairman of the 125th celebration in 2001, said that the county might want to spotlight a different community each month for the 250th anniversary.

“Something could be done here,” he said. “Now is the time to start talking.”

Ondrus would also like to work with area schools to get young people involved in the celebrations.

“They’re the future,” he said, suggesting an essay contest in which students could write about what the country means to them, where they live and tie in the history with research from a historical society.

Lansford Councilwoman Michele Bartek remembers a contest in the schools to come up the logo for the 1976 celebration.

“Maybe we could do that again,” she said.

Her vision includes a huge picnic at Ashton Park involving families and children, with bands and speakers such as veterans, miners and historians talking about the area, Bartek said.

“Even play polkas, because that was a big thing,” she said, recalling WLSH radio airing polka music as a family gathered for Sunday dinner in the afternoon.

They also discussed a parade, but noted that parades take a lot of time, planning and money to put together, with high school bands costing $500 and others $1,000 or more each.

Area veterans will be planning countywide parades in 2025 and 2026, looking at tapping the same resources.

Organizers talked about focusing their efforts on a picnic or block party over a weekend and events that they could do to start raising money.

They also want to check with the borough to see what its insurance will allow as far as a celebration in the park, and if a beer tent could be a possibility, and work on getting a liquor events license through an area nonprofit.

Ondrus plans to reach out to area churches, community organizations, such as historical groups, and others and hopefully have representation as plans move ahead with various events.

The organizers plan to meet again on Feb. 25 at the American Legion in Lansford.