The Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce sponsors its 15^th Annual Jim Thorpe Birthday Weekend on Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd. 

This event honors James Francis Thorpe, a Native American and Athlete of the 20^th Century.

The festivities start on Saturday, May 21st at 10am with a Native American Tribute at the Jim Thorpe Mausoleum along with Don Wild Eagle and family, Native Americans and  Rep.Doyle Heffley. The Jim Thorpe Sports Hall of Fame will be dedicating the second 18 ft. Bronze Statue of Olympian Jim Thorpe. 

 At 10:30am, Our Olympian Cross Country and Track Teams will carry the lighted torch from the monument to the Jim Thorpe High School Stadium to light the Olympic Torch for the Special Olympic Track and Field Competition and then down 903 to the Heights, down Opera House Hill and then down Broadway to Josiah White Park for the lighting of our Olympic Torch.

The Varsity Cheerleaders will stretch a ribbon across Broadway in front of the County of Carbon Court House prior to the arrival of the runners.  Medals will be awarded to the team and coach and a resolution that Rep. Doyle Heffley had the Pennsylvania House pass will be read declaring that May 21, 2011 has been named "James Francis Thorpe Day" in the Commonwealth.  Town dignitaries will also be invited to honor this occasion with their presence.

A large birthday cake will be presented, cut and pieces sold as part of the festivities for the weekend.