For frequent visitors of Happy Valley in the fall, hearing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” blasting from speakers and chants of “We Are” in the streets is nothing new.

But Coplay residents expecting to do their normal Saturday morning grocery shopping at their local Giant were in for a very different experience March 24.

It was Saquon Barkley Day in the borough.

Thousands of people, many of whom began tailgating hours before the event’s noontime start, lined Chestnut Street and the Coplay Parkway to honor Barkley’s accomplishments at Whitehall High School and at Penn State.

The day began with a parade that included the Hokendauqua Eagles, where Barkley played as a youth; WHS football team and Marching Zephyr Band; and members of Penn State’s Lehigh Valley Alumni Association chapter.

Barkley traveled the route in a Porsche, with his nephew, Karson Bickerson, beside him.

The parade through the borough was followed by a celebration at Saylor Park, where speakers took the microphone to speak of Barkley’s achievements and his character.

Bob Hartman, athletic director at Whitehall, announced the school has plans to retire the No. 21 jersey that Barkley wore in high school. Barkley’s jersey will be the third to be retired at Zephyr Stadium, joining those worn by WHS alums and Super Bowl champions Matt Millen and Dan Koppen.

Before the jersey is retired, though, Barkley’s brother Ali, a WHS sophomore and Zephyr football player, will wear No. 21 through his high school career.

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, spoke of a March 14 trip Barkley and his family made to Harrisburg to be honored at the Capitol in recognition of Saquon Barkley Day in the state, a proclamation made by McNeill.

“When he came out to Harrisburg, Saquon shook every hand that was offered, smiled for every picture and honestly appreciated the love and respect he was shown in the Capitol,” McNeill said.

Following the recognition ceremony, McNeill said Barkley asked the driver to pull over so that he could meet with some fans who had been waiting outside.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong, who works as an official at every Zephyr home football game, read a proclamation that declared March 24 as Saquon Barkley Day throughout Lehigh County.

Coplay Councilmen Louis Bodish and Charles Sodl unveiled sketches of a bronze plaque that will be installed at the Community Plaza, Second and Chestnut streets. The plaque, which details Barkley’s football accomplishments at Whitehall and Penn State, is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

When Barkley stepped up to speak, he offered praise for his family, friends and the borough he calls home.

“Everyone loves to praise me on my character, which I am truly grateful for,” he said. “But that’s a testament to my parents and how they raised me. I am so thankful for having these two in my life.

“They made so many sacrifices, not only for me, but for my family to put us in this position,” Barkley said. “I really would not be in the position that I am if it wasn’t for them.”

Barkley said after the excitement of the NFL Draft slows down next month, one of his first goals as a professional football player is to buy his parents a new house - in Whitehall or Coplay.

April will be an extra-special month for Barkley. He and girlfriend Anna Congdon are expecting a child.

“I’ve got to thank the Borough of Coplay,” Barkley continued. “This is truly, truly amazing, and I am so thankful for allowing this place to be my home since I was 8 years old.”

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed food from local vendors and music by A Few Good Men. The event was co-sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network.