An art contest for Lehighton Area School District students to draw the history of Weissport will take place in the spring.

Members of the Jacob’s Weissport Historical Society recently started work on the mural under the bridge in Weissport, according to member Keith “Jake” Boyer.

Boyer said the contest will likely get underway by the end of March, and added students will be able to choose from various historical subjects to draw from.

He said those could include the canal, mules, trains, bridge, Fort Allen, Weissport House, Reeds and other stores, the coal breaker, mills, old school house, and so forth.

In turn, the winners’ works will be put on the mural in Weissport.

“We did the preliminary stuff,” Boyer said. “We’re going to fill it in with the mural.”

Boyer said the project is under the direction of artist Ruth Bush, who is also a member of the society.

He said first place will receive a cash award of $250, while second place will get $50 and third place $25.

Boyer said the purpose of the contest is actually twofold.

“I think the upgrade of the Weissport community is what we’re trying to do,” he said. “Anything we can do to beautify Weissport.”

On top of that, Boyer said the students will get to learn more about the history of Weissport through a fun project.

“They get to take part and take pride, and see their work on display,” he said. “And really do a service to the town of Weissport and Carbon County.”