Coplay Borough Councilman Stephen Burker announced Feb. 8 that the borough plans to have a community parade for Penn State football star Saquon Barkley.

“He has been someone this community has followed throughout his football career,” he said.

The parade date is set for March 24.

“We set the date after numerous discussions with Saquon’s mother, Tanya,” Burker said. “It is something that the borough wanted to do, and the Barkleys were humbled by our request.”

Barkley, a 2015 Whitehall High School graduate, has a hectic schedule as he demonstrates his skills before NFL draft day April 27.

Council President Louis Bodish, Mayor Dean Molitoris and Councilman Charles Sodl, along with Burker, invited state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, and her staffer Michael Dee to a meeting to work on the details. McNeill confirmed that March 24 will be announced as Saquon Barkley Day in the state.

“We have not worked out all the details. Security considerations are a work in progress, and we have speakers lined up,” Burker said.

The general outline for the March 24 event will be to have a parade begin around noon and then move to Saylor Park for remarks by the speakers. Only invited groups will be allowed to participate in the parade.

One issue that everyone agreed to was that there would be no outside vendors or food sales. Everything that is available at the parade must be approved by the Barkley Day committee.

“This is not going to be a fundraiser and not an attempt for anyone to cash in on Saquon’s name or his accomplishments,” Burker said. “This will be a great event to honor a great running back. The day belongs to Saquon and his family.

“Everyone is invited,” Burker said. “It gives the Borough of Coplay and Barkley fans a chance to show how proud they are of their hometown hero.”