Approximately 500 luminarias lit up the streets of downtown Jim Thorpe on Saturday to honor the memory of Lynn Highland, a noted member of the community who died tragically in a house fire in May 2021.

“I was a friend of Lynn’s,” said Amber Breiner, manager at Wild Elder Wine & Cider Co. of Jim Thorpe. “I think it’s a lovely idea, I think she would have approved. She really loved this town.

“She appreciated the beauty, and she shared that a lot with people. She would wish people a ‘good evening from Jim Thorpe’ and share a beautiful image. I really appreciated that about her, that she would take time to pause and admire the beauty that’s all around us.”

Breiner said she reached out to her daughter Jordan to see if she approved of the luminaria display.

“They’re really happy about this, that the community is sharing their mother’s memory and helping make sure her spirit lives on,” Breiner said.

Desha Utsick, owner of Photography by Desha, grew up in the area and knew Lynn.

“I can’t even think of a time that I didn’t know her. She was such a great person; a lot of people respected her in the community; she was a lot of fun,” Utsick said.

The idea was based on a similar luminaria walk held in 2019 in honor of Tyler Kowatch, an 18-year-old who died in 2018. Beth Beers, owner of Everything Nice on Race Street, organized that program, and helped coordinate this event.

“I’m glad the town came together for Tyler,” Beers said. “He got to see how loved he was, how he would be missed. It’s the same for Lynn; it’s a sign of respect that she will be missed, and she will always be remembered. That’s why it’s important to remember people and honor them.”

The luminarias were set up around Josiah White Park at the Train Station, all along Broadway from the courthouse to just past the Mauch Chunk Opera House to the Gilded Cupid Bed & Breakfast, and along Race Street. The Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency helped fund the luminarias, and volunteers helped set up the luminarias and light them.

Luminarias were also displayed last year, but just in front of a few businesses.

“I had customers come in last year saying they wished there were more lights out instead of just a few lights in front of a few shops,” Breiner said. “I suggested on the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency’s Facebook group about making it bigger for this year, and I ended up helping to coordinate it.”

Many of the stores and eateries in downtown Jim Thorpe had extended hours for people to stroll through the downtown area for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

“We hope people come out and enjoy the evening,” Beers added. “Just to come out and have a nice evening; and, not only to remember Lynn; but, as you walk around, just remember those who have gone before us.”