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The Blair County Courthouse clocktower in Hollidaysburg will chime again for the first time in nearly 20 years, the result of a dedicated restoration effort.

Starting Saturday, the historic bell—originally cast in 1876—will ring hourly from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., marking a pivotal moment in the revival of this beloved local landmark.

Headed by Nick Burket, the county’s facilities director, the project restored both the original clock faces and the now-electronic bell striker.

An ambitious fundraising campaign by the American Legion Post 516, led by Samuel Dunkle, surpassed $100,000, allowing comprehensive repairs.

The public is invited to a celebration outside the courthouse on Saturday, featuring a brass quintet and speeches from community leaders such as Senior Judge Jolene Kopriva and Commissioner Chair Dave Kessling.

This restoration stands as a symbol of Blair County’s enduring pride and preservation of its history.

Drivers on Route 36 (South Logan Boulevard) in Blair County will face minor delays and single-lane traffic as drainage pipe installation begins Monday, July 6, near Maria Lane.

PennDOT officials say the work, continuing through Friday, July 17, will require northbound traffic to merge into a single lane in the construction zone.

Crew members are also constructing temporary crossover lanes as preparations for an upcoming drainage project near South Pine Street continue.

PennDOT urges motorists to slow down, stay alert, and observe all signs and flaggers when traveling through work zones.

This is part of a $5.4 million pavement and drainage improvement initiative, led by New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., that’s scheduled for completion by October 2025.

Upgrades will impact a 3.5-mile stretch between Hollidaysburg and Altoona, affecting nearby townships and local traffic.

Altoona residents are invited to support local patients at the 38th Annual Blair Media Blood Blitz, happening Tuesday, July 21, at the Altoona Area Junior High School Fieldhouse.

The American Red Cross, Seven Mountains Media, and WTAJ are teaming up to encourage blood donations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., aiming to collect 130 units as summer donations typically drop.

Donors should bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two forms of ID.

Eligible participants must be at least 17 (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health, with extra requirements for younger donors.

Appointments can be made by phone, online, or through the Blood Donor App with sponsor code BLOODBLITZ, and RapidPass completes forms in advance.

All donors between July 13 and 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket, a Sheetz drink coupon, and a Red Cross beach towel.

Main Street Mercantile

Family-Friendly Events in Blair, June 29 – July 5, 2026

Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 – Historic Steam Locomotive Public Viewing

• Date/Time: July 8 (arrival ~5:15–5:45 PM near Railroaders Memorial Museum) and July 9–10 (public display, 8 AM–2 PM, shuttle access only)
• Location: Altoona (Rose Yard display site, shuttles from Peoples Natural Gas Field & Logan Valley Mall), plus related events in Tyrone and Bellwood
• Description: The world's largest operating steam locomotive makes a historic East Coast tour stop in "Railroad City," expected to draw over 100,000 visitors. Free public viewing with shuttle service; a related ticketed viewing at Horseshoe Curve on July 11 is already sold out.
• Age appropriateness: All ages — a rare, awe-inspiring sight for kids and train enthusiasts alike, though expect large crowds and walking/shuttle waits.
• Cost: Free (July 8–10 viewing; parking at PNG Field/Logan Valley Mall is free)
• Sources: Discover Blair County Calendar | Railroaders Memorial Museum Big Boy Info | WTAJ coverage

44th Annual Agriculture Parade ("World's Largest Small Town Parade")

• Date/Time: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 6:00 PM (rain or shine)
• Location: Main Street, Martinsburg, PA (Blair County)
• Description: A beloved small-town tradition featuring marching bands, floats, tractors, veterans, and local organizations — this year's parade also honors America's 250th anniversary.
• Age appropriateness: All ages — classic, low-key family entertainment; bring a lawn chair.
• Cost: Free
• Source: Discover Blair County Calendar

Honorable mention: the Big Boy Food Truck & Vendor Event in Downtown Tyrone (Wed., July 8) is also free to attend, with food/vendor items available for purchase — a good pick if the Altoona crowds feel too big. Source

Altoona Curve Baseball — "A Charlie Brown Christmas in July" (Peanuts Jersey Night) vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels

• Date/Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 6:30 PM
• Location: Peoples Natural Gas Field (PNG Field), 1000 Park Ave, Altoona
• Description: A festive, family-friendly minor league game featuring a special Peanuts-inspired specialty jersey, presented by Sheetz. The Curve host Richmond all week (July 7–12), including "Los Peces Dorados" night (July 8) and a Scout Night (July 10) if you want alternate dates.
• Age appropriateness: All ages — classic ballpark fun with a Kids Zone.
• Cost: Tickets start around $11 (varies by seating; single-game tickets via Ticketmaster/Curve box office)
• Sources: Ticketmaster – Altoona Curve | Curve 2026 Promotional Schedule – MiLB.com

Railroaders Memorial Museum — Big Boy Week Special Exhibit

• Railroaders Memorial Museum — Big Boy Week Special Exhibit

  • Date/Time: July 8–11, 2026, during regular museum hours (check railroadcity.org for exact hours that week, as they may extend)
  • Location: 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA
  • Description: The museum stays open throughout Big Boy week with a special Union Pacific traveling exhibit and America250/railroad merchandise, plus its usual exhibits on Altoona's railroading history — a great paid indoor complement to the free outdoor Big Boy viewing.
  • Age appropriateness: All ages, especially fun for train-loving kids.
  • Cost: Adults (18+) $18 | Seniors (65+) $17 | Youth (4–17) $15 | Under 4 free
  • Sources: Railroaders Memorial Museum – Big Boy Info | Admission pricing

The Blair Buzz newsletter is sponsored by

Destiney's Closet

🍔 Blue and White Snack Bar (Hollidaysburg)

A beloved piece of Blair County history has officially made its triumphant return! The iconic Blue and White Snack Bar, located at 905 Union St. in Hollidaysburg, reopened its doors under new owners Steve and Christina Bender. The classic neighborhood mainstay had been closed for a few years, and its return has sparked massive excitement across the county. Hollidaysburg Mayor Chad Repko perfectly captured the community's joy, noting that the landmark's return is a "big win" for local business lovers. The Benders are dedicated to preserving the traditional, friendly neighborhood atmosphere that generations of residents grew up with, making it the perfect spot for a casual summer meal. You can drop in to welcome them back to the neighborhood during their regular weekly hours or check out their community updates on local pages.

Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities

If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Blair Buzz Newsletter!

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor