About 400 people on Saturday walked to help prevent birth defects. The walk was the second annual March of Dimes Walk America for Healthier Babies held in Carbon County.

The walk began at Beltzville State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Wilbur Bauchspies, mayor of Lehighton, Ron Solt, Franklin Township supervisor, joined Beltzville officials and representatives of the local Lions and Lioness clubs in the ceremony. Also taking part was Shari Kenlin of the Carbon County Pageant Association.

Judy Haldeman, coordinator of the event, said it is expected proceeds of the walk will exceed the $14,000 that was raised last year.