📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Breast Cancer walk |
Trivia Question❓Stretching from the Caribbean to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which country holds the world record for the most time zones when its overseas territories are included? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Looking for a comfortable home base in Altoona? Welcoming guests since 1974, the Altoona Grand Hotel offers spacious rooms and the region’s largest indoor heated pool. Families can choose poolside rooms, while guests seeking an extra treat can book a larger room with an in-room whirlpool spa. There’s plenty on site beyond the guest rooms: a fitness center, an outdoor patio, and The Grouse’s Nest restaurant and lounge for a meal or a relaxed evening. Less than a mile from Interstate 99, the hotel also offers meeting and event spaces for gatherings of 20 to 550, plus a grand ballroom for celebrations. |
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Blair County neighbors will rally around breast cancer survivors at Altoona’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Central PA walk on Oct. 11.
Walk ambassador Jessica King of Roaring Spring found a lump while showering at age 40.
Diagnosed in 2024 with invasive ductal carcinoma that had spread to nearby lymph nodes, she underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a double mastectomy. Read More... |
Amy Bradley has made telling Johnstown’s business stories a central part of her leadership as president and CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber.
Her recognition among Pennsylvania’s leading women executives in 2026 reflects a career in communication, community service and advocacy.
Bradley joined the chamber in 2018 after 18 years in marketing, communications and public affairs at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Read More... |
PennDOT District 9 is holding a hiring event Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at its Hollidaysburg office.
Applicants can learn about openings across the six-county district, get help with applications and speak directly with recruitment staff and hiring managers.
Seasonal winter CDL equipment operators are among the most immediate needs, and some candidates may be able to interview during the event.
Jobseekers should bring two forms of identification if they plan to pursue an opportunity. Read More... |
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The New Blair County Buzz Community |
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Family-Friendly Events in Blair, Oct. 5 – Oct. 11, 2026 |
Spooktacular Science Show |
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Bring the family to Penn State Altoona’s annual Spooktacular Science Show for an afternoon of discovery and hands-on fun. From 1 to 2 p.m., enjoy exciting science demonstrations at the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. Then head to the Hawthorn Building from 2 to 4 p.m., where children can play and learn through hands-on activities. This free event is open to the community, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Come curious and enjoy the afternoon together! |
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Hollidaysburg PumpkinFest |
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Enter event description |
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Del-Ghoul-So’s |
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Bring the family to Del-Ghoul-So’s for a Halloween weekend at DelGrosso’s Park! Enjoy select rides, live puppet shows, balloon creations, a petting zoo and fall-themed foods. Costumes are welcome, and children can explore the new Dracula’s Dragway pedal-kart attraction. The fun runs October 3 and 4 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is $20 per person, with complimentary admission for children under 24 months. Every guest entering the park needs a Del-Ghoul-So’s Fun Pass, even if they don’t plan to ride. |
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Highland Hall Guided Tours |
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Step inside Highland Hall for a rare guided look at one of Blair County’s historic landmarks. Explore its grand architecture and hear how the building has served the Hollidaysburg community through the decades. Choose a 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. tour; each lasts about an hour and a half. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and all proceeds benefit the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library. Call the library or stop in to reserve your place. |
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Backups if you need to swap
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📚 Blair County Public Library Events:The Blair County Library System has 8 member libraries. Below is the link to the Blair County Library System where you can access the calendars and events for all libraries. Be sure to check all confirmed events. |
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Here is a roundup of exciting small business activity across Blair County, featuring local entrepreneurship in Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, and Downtown Altoona:
The Sweet Spot Creamery (1524 Third Ave., Duncansville)
Hollidaysburg Area High School students officially launched The Sweet Spot Creamery, a student-run ice cream venture operating behind Coffee on 3rd in Duncansville. Managed by a dedicated crew of local high schoolers in partnership with the coffee shop, the creamery serves up hand-scooped local ice cream and sweet treats. As recent graduate and team member Karsten Lolas shared during opening week, "Being able to build something from the ground up right here in our own backyard taught us so much about business, but seeing our neighbors come out to support us makes all the hard work worth it." The shop gives residents a fun way to invest in the next generation of local entrepreneurs. Stop by Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and follow them on Facebook at The Sweet Spot Creamery for seasonal flavor updates.
Blue and White Snack Bar (418 Chestnut St., Hollidaysburg)
A cherished local landmark has officially reopened its doors thanks to new owners Steve and Christina Bender. Known for its classic roadside fare, milkshakes, and nostalgia, the eatery carries forward a legacy that Hollidaysburg residents have missed for years. "The Blue and White is such an iconic staple in Blair County, and taking on this mantle is both an honor and a passion project for us," says co-owner Steve Bender. "We wanted to give the community back their favorite gathering spot while keeping the classic traditions and warm atmosphere alive." You can visit them Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, give them a call at (814) 695-9851, or check out updates on their Facebook page (Blue and White Snack Bar).
Center City Market (1306 Eleventh Ave., Downtown Altoona)
Downtown Altoona’s revitalized commercial scene reached a new milestone with the opening of Center City Market inside the historic former McCrory's building. Designed as a food hall and small business incubator, the indoor market features a collection of local food vendors and artisan shops under one roof. Market organizers noted during the grand opening, "Downtown Altoona is undergoing a wonderful transformation, and we wanted to create an accessible space where multiple local entrepreneurs could launch their concepts while giving neighbors a vibrant central spot to eat, shop, and gather." The market is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Stop in to explore the vendors or learn more by visiting the Blair County Chamber directory.
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Blair County’s October calendar is gathering momentum, with five upbeat, visitor-friendly happenings arriving. From downtown celebrations to hands-on history, families have plenty of reasons to explore Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Tyrone, and the wider county. Blair Buzz: Five positive trends
1. Downtown Altoona Pride takes center stage. On Friday, October 9, Heritage Plaza hosts the third annual Altoona Pride Parade & Festival. Beginning at 5 p.m., the family-friendly gathering brings entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, and a welcoming downtown atmosphere.[discoverblaircounty][altoonapa] 2. Fall flavor is blooming in Hollidaysburg. A two-day apple-cider celebration at The Backyard at Coffee on 3rd runs October 9–10, pairing seasonal treats, food trucks, vendors, live music, and activities—an easy autumn stop for residents and visitors alike.[activealtoona] 3. PumpkinFest turns Allegheny Street into a community party. On Saturday, October 10, Hollidaysburg’s PumpkinFest will fill the street with live entertainment, local arts and crafts, and family fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.[activealtoona] 4. Sci-Fi Valley Con brings fandom tourism to Altoona. The Blair County Convention Center welcomes the convention October 16–18, attracting pop-culture fans and giving families a weatherproof weekend destination.[activealtoona][blairconventioncenter] 5. Historic Halloween adventures are growing. Fort Roberdeau’s October 17 Halloween event combines trick-or-treating, living-history characters, and a haunted trail, while Baker Mansion offers family-friendly lantern tours on select October evenings.[discoverblaircounty][activealtoona] |
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Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities
🌟 Local ShoutoutsAltoona & Hollidaysburg Public Libraries Unveil Exciting Fall Community Lineups
A huge shoutout to our local public libraries—the Altoona Area Public Library and the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library—for serving as vibrant hubs of activity for our region! Both libraries have announced their jam-packed autumn schedules featuring everything from STEM workshops and local author events to family film matinees and historic walking tours. Their continuous dedication to providing free educational and engaging activities keeps our Blair County neighborhood connected and inspired year-round.
🦸 Local HeroesPenn State Extension Master Gardeners Sharing Sustainable Knowledge
Our local Master Gardeners are stepping up as true community educators by sharing sustainable growing practices with Blair County residents! Through dedicated workshops, like their upcoming "Three Sisters Gardening" session, these local plant experts donate their time and knowledge to help neighbors cultivate native crops, improve soil health, and preserve sustainable agricultural traditions right in our backyards.
📢 Local CausesFostering Literacy & Pet Companionship with Central PA Humane Society
Helping young readers build confidence while offering sweet shelter pets extra love and socialization is the core mission of the "Paws to Read" initiative. Held in partnership with the Central PA Humane Society, this local cause invites children ages 5 and up to sit down and read aloud to gentle shelter animals. It's a wonderful, heartwarming way to support both youth literacy and local animal welfare.
🎟️ FundraisersHollidaysburg Heritage Guided Tours Present: Highland Hall Historic Tour
Step inside history while giving back to a great cause! The Hollidaysburg Heritage Guided Tours team is hosting exclusive guided tours of the historic Highland Hall. Every dollar raised from ticket sales goes directly toward supporting community programming and library resources at the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library.
🤝 Volunteer OpportunitiesFriends of the Altoona Area Public Library Fall Used Book Sale Prep
The Friends of the Altoona Area Public Library are gearing up for their annual Fall Used Book Sale fundraising drive! Community volunteers are always needed to help organize, sort, and assist during book sale events that directly fund library programs, children's activities, and free public access to digital resources.
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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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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: France |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |