The Borough of Nesquehoning is gearing up for a potential influx of visitors over the weekend as it prepares not only to celebrate its 202nd Anniversary, the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, and a visit from the Union Pacific steam locomotive “Big Boy” 4014.
What to Expect
Police Chief Bradley Hess spoke with CC Broadcasting and stated that current estimates of potential visitors to the Borough range from 5,000 to a potential 10,000 plus. With this heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic is expected through Route 209 through to Route 54.
A parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., during which the following streets south of Catawissa Street will be closed:
- Pine, Oak, Chestnut, Hazard, Almond, Mermon Avenue, School, Ratcliff, and Allen.
West Railroad, from Allen Street to Market Street, will remain closed all day. According to a post made to social media, no parking signs will be posted on Center and Railroad streets in effect from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, with parking set to resume at 12 p.m.
Additional parking is set to be available at the CVS parking lot and the Panther Valley Junior Senior High School, as well as the Middle School. Shuttle services will be available.
Meanwhile, a festival is scheduled to be held following the parade Saturday at 12 p.m in the Kovatch parking lot next to the Nesquehoning Recreation Center, with a fireworks display set for 9 p.m.
On Sunday, “Big Boy” is scheduled to depart from the Borough at 10 a.m.