Ironton Rail Trail (IRT) Oversight Commission at its Feb. 16 meeting, held in the Whitehall Township Community Room at the municipal building, started making plans for its 20th anniversary.

The event will begin with a 5-K run/walk June 12 at the North Whitehall athletic fields. The celebration will also include a ceremony, at which elected and civic dignitaries will participate, and a festival. There will be many displays at the main trail head.

The oversight commission agreed to participate in Wildlands Conservancy’s 20th anniversary of the Lehigh River Sojourn June 27. Nearly 100 rafters are expected to camp overnight on the Hokendauqua American Legion grounds next to the trail. The oversight commission will most likely sponsor a bike ride on the trail and have a presentation regarding the trail.

The oversight commission is also moving forward with its annual major fundraiser, a 10-K run/walk planned for Aug. 27, which begins at the American Club of Coplay pavilion, winds through Whitehall Parkway, back to Stiles along Coplay Creek, through Hokendauqua and Coplay, and finishes near Saylor Cement Kilns.

Ulysses “Junior” Conner reported 30 Ironton Rail Trail signs have arrived and are being installed on existing sign poles at the trail and road crossings. Whitehall Parkway and Fort Deschler historical signs will be installed after the spur route is paved.

Whitehall Historical Preservation Society indicated interest in purchasing an IRT memorial bench. The $500 bench was approved and will be located at the Water Street area of the trail.