Everyone says they have a unique hometown, but in reality, Lehighton, Pennsylvania is the most unique. Nestled in a tourism hotspot, the Poconos, Lehighton has around 5,000 residents living in the outskirts of the Coal Region. Carbon County is rich with tradition and many other things that any Lehighton resident will know to be true.
1. The proper pronunciation of Lehighton is “Lehigh-en."
Always drop the “t” just like with Scranton.
2. Zimmerman’s Ice Tea
AKA Zimmie’s AKA Lehighton’s water.
3. Walmart is a very big deal.
Not only can you get lost in it while trying to buy shampoo, but you will also run into every single person you know. Get ready to say hi to all your teachers, neighbors, friends, ex-friends, the random guy that knows your parents but you have no clue who he is and every other possible person that could drag you into a 20 minute conversation in the middle of the aisle.
4. Friday Night Football is everything.
Even if the team has a 0-10 record or an undefeated regular season like the 2015 team, the whole town goes to watch. Some people go to actually watch the game, while others just walk around the gravel “track” the whole time.
5. Haluski is always sold in concession stands.
The out-of-towners have no clue what it is.
6. Jim Thorpe will forever and always be Lehighton’s rival.
And forever and always, Lehighton will be better. ;)
7. The McCall bridge closure was the biggest catastrophe that Lehighton ever had to deal with.
The town literally did not know how to handle it and NEVER stopped talking about it.
8. You were probably in the Halloween Parade at least once in your life.
You marched with your booster club team, dance studio, gymnastic gym, girl/boy scout troop, athletic team, band, etc.
9. For the Millennial generation of Lehighton, the middle school years consist of everyone hanging out at La Rose’s Skating Rink.
If you weren’t there on a Friday night just to hang out, you were there for a birthday party.
10. When that generation got a little older, they went to the Mahoning Valley Cinema to see a movie every single weekend.
They also never forgot to visit Rite Aid before to get their candy fix and McDonald’s afterwards.
11. Where does everyone go on a Wednesday night?
Wing Night at Sapore Restaurant, duh.
12. You always had the day off from school the Monday after Thanksgiving because there was conveniently a Teachers In Service Day.
Just maybe it had something to do with the first day of buck season?
13. Many residents have farming families.
Since many people have huge open areas near their homes, they sometimes have unique pets.
Check it out: A pig as a pet!?
Many grow up in the small town and choose to never leave. Some decide to leave and come back while others just never look back. Either way, Lehighton will always have a special place in people’s hearts and help shape them into the people they are today.
