DURYEA, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Hometown pride filled the air as the Duryea community came together to begin celebrating the borough’s 125th anniversary.

Ahead of this weekend’s festivities, the mayor and borough council members came together with residents for a special gathering, followed by a local church service.

Residents gathered outside the borough building to hear from local leaders, along with Congressman Rob Bresnahan and Representative Jim Haddock.

Mayor Trina Moss reflected on what the milestone means to the community and how far Duryea has come since 1901.

“When you look back, and you think about what the community thought about in 1901, what it was going to be, what it was going to look like. We were mining and silk mills, and now we look at what we came from then and now what we’re going to in the future. And I think Duryea has a bright future,” said Moss.

“We have to keep going forward. We’re a small town. We’re a town with a big heart. We know look after each other. We’re look to our neighbors, our neighboring towns. That’s what we are,” said Moss.

Council Member Gino Marriggi said Duryea’s 125th anniversary lining up with America’s upcoming 250th celebration makes the moment even more special.

“It’s in conjunction with America 250. So, it falls into place with that. And I think it’s just great that we’re able to celebrate and enjoy this great time. And in America,” said Marriggi.

Mayor Moss said she’s grateful to still have committee members who helped celebrate the borough’s 100th anniversary 25 years ago, becoming emotional as she spoke on the pride she feels for her hometown and community.

“A few of the committee members that are on this committee, they were the original members on the 100th anniversary. So that shows how proud we are of our community,” said Moss.

“The most important thing to me is when I walk around town, and I hear somebody say, ‘I’m proud that I live in Duryea,’” said Moss.

Following remarks outside the borough building, attendees took part in a candlelight walk to Nativity of Our Lord Church, where a service was held before refreshments were served afterward.

The celebration continues with a parade Saturday starting at 3 p.m., followed by a community picnic.

For more details about this upcoming weekend, click here.