Monday, May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. 

Observed annually on the last Monday of May, it serves as a solemn day for Americans to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by these individuals to secure and protect the nation's freedoms.

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Fort Roberdeau in Tyrone Township has launched the Revolutionary War Lead Mine Site for its milestone 50th season, offering a fresh lens on Blair County’s storied past.

Archaeology students from Juniata College, under the guidance of Jonathan Burns, discovered artifacts that bring forgotten chapters of the site’s history to life.

Fort Director Glenn Nelson spotlighted the fort’s vital role in producing lead after British imports stopped during the Revolution, making the mine a center of early American resourcefulness.

This new exhibit honors the challenging path toward independence and the community’s resilience in forging self-sufficiency.

Visitors can tour Fort Roberdeau daily through October, enjoying immersive experiences that celebrate the region’s Revolutionary War heritage.

Bark in the Park returns to Blair County on Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing a full day of festivities to the Newry Lions Club Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This lively, pet- and family-friendly event features over 30 local vendors with crafts, pet products, food, and hands-on activities for children.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, and highlights include crowd favorites like the kissing booth fundraiser and performances by the Shady Rock School for Dogs, a Navy SEAL dog trainer, the Horseshoe Cloggers, and live country music from Ricky Lee.

Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used towels and blankets to donate to nearby animal shelters.

With all proceeds benefitting local rescue groups and Lions Club service projects, the goal is to unite neighbors and make a real difference for animals in Blair County.

Find updates for Bark in the Park on Facebook.

College and high school sports are heating up across Blair County, with teams making headlines as the spring season reaches full swing.

Penn State Altoona’s baseball team has wrapped up their regular season, while the Penn Highlands Blair Center Black Bears golf squad is prepping for an important Region 20 Championship.

On the high school diamond, fresh storylines emerged: Bishop Guilfoyle’s Marauders were still seeking their first win after a tough matchup with Clearfield, as Central’s Scarlet Dragons powered past Bedford 11-1, led by Mason Sparks on the mound and Colton Porecca at the plate.

In other action, Bellwood-Antis and Claysburg-Kimmel faced challenging schedules, while Hollidaysburg’s strong 14-2 season momentum took a hit with a loss to Bishop McCort.

Track and field standouts from Altoona Area, Hollidaysburg, Tyrone, and Central delivered impressive performances in championship meets, while boys’ tennis teams continue their playoff runs.

Cow Patty Bingo returns to Lakemont Park on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, celebrating the Miracle League of Blair County’s 20th anniversary.

This lighthearted tradition invites locals to purchase one or more of 1,000 field squares for a shot at $2,000.

When the star cow makes its first “deposit,” the lucky square claims the cash prize.

All proceeds go directly to supporting the Miracle League, ensuring children and adults with physical or mental disabilities can play baseball in a fully accessible environment.

The event is free to attend, making it a community celebration with food trucks, live music, and family fun.

Activities begin at 5 p.m., with the cow taking the field from 6 to 8 p.m.

Squares cost $5 or $10 each, and everyone is encouraged to join in to help expand inclusive sports in the region.

Mark your calendar and enjoy a unique night supporting a wonderful local cause!

Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com

Blair Buzz BOGO

The Blair Buzz is currently running a BOGO for July 4th & July sponsorships. When you purchase the month of July at the discounted rate, you will also get the month of August for Back to School promotions, at no charge. The closing date for the available slots that are left is June 19, 2026. We would love to have you join us!!!

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🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Blair County, PA

May 11 – May 17, 2026

🎟 FREE EVENTS

ALTOONA AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY (AAPL)

1600 Fifth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-0417 | altoonalibrary.org Listed alphabetically as requested

1. Chess Club

• Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 4:30–7:30 PM
• Location: AAPL – Rear tables, first floor
• Description: Weekly drop-in chess club open to all ages and skill levels. No registration required; anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Age: All ages (under 16 with guardian)
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/ (recurring Thursday program confirmed on live calendar)
  
  

2. Mahjong Club

• Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Location: AAPL
• Description: Weekly drop-in Mahjong Club for adults. No registration required.
• Age: Adults
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/
  
  

3. Mother Goose

• Date/Time: Monday, May 11, 9:30–10:00 AM; Thursday, May 14, 9:30–10:00 AM (two sessions this week)
• Location: AAPL
• Description: A unique one-on-one lap-sit storytime for children 12–24 months and their caregiver. Registration required; call 814-946-0417 ext. 123.
• Age: 12–24 months + caregiver
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/
  
  

4. Pinochle Club

• Date/Time: Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Location: AAPL
• Description: Weekly drop-in Pinochle Club for adult patrons. No registration required.
• Age: Adults
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/
  
  

5. Preschool Explorers

• Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 10:30–11:00 AM; Thursday, May 14, 10:30–11:00 AM (two sessions)
• Location: AAPL
• Description: A structured literacy-based program for children ages 3–6 to help them transition toward preschool readiness. Registration required; call 814-946-0417 ext. 123.
• Age: Ages 3–6
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/
  
  

6. Teen Gaming Club

• Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 3:00–5:00 PM
• Location: AAPL
• Description: In partnership with the Video Game Clubs of America, teens enjoy tabletop games, card games, Nintendo Switch, and more each week. Registration required; call 814-946-0417 ext. 125.
• Age: Teens
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/
  
  

7. Toddler Time

• Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 9:30–10:00 AM & 10:30–11:00 AM (two sessions); Wednesday, May 13 (two sessions at same times)
• Location: AAPL
• Description: A music-and-movement storytime for children ages 2–3 and their caregiver. Registration required; call 814-946-0417 ext. 123.
• Age: Ages 2–3 + caregiver
• Cost: Free
• Source: altoonalibrary.org/event/
  
  

BELLWOOD-ANTIS PUBLIC LIBRARY

526 Main St., Bellwood, PA 16617 | 814-742-8234 | bapl.lib.pa.us (Hours: Mon–Thu 1–8 PM, Sat 9 AM–2 PM) Listed alphabetically as requested

8. Bellwood-Antis Community Trust (BACT) Meeting

• Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 6:30 PM
• Location: Bellwood-Antis Public Library
• Description: A community improvement meeting open to all residents interested in making the Bellwood-Antis area a better place to live, work, and play. New members are always welcome.
• Age: Adults/Community members
• Cost: Free
• Source: bapl.lib.pa.us/index.php/events/
  
  

9. Bubble Magic Workshop with Lynn Dalby Designs

• Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 6:00 PM
• Location: Bellwood-Antis Public Library
• Description: A hands-on workshop for parents and children where families learn to make giant bubbles, touchable bubbles, and more with professional bubble artist Lynn Dalby.
• Age: Ages 4 and up (with parent/caregiver)
• Cost: Free
• Source: bapl.lib.pa.us/index.php/events/
  
  

10. Toddler Tuesday

• Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 PM (recurring every Tuesday through June 16)
• Location: Bellwood-Antis Public Library
• Description: A toddler-sized, toddler-friendly storytime featuring songs, dancing, and silliness led by a trained librarian. New families are always welcome.
• Age: 18 months–3 years
• Cost: Free
• Source: bapl.lib.pa.us/index.php/events/
  
  

COMMUNITY & OUTDOOR EVENTS

11. Altoona Curve vs. Harrisburg Senators (Los Peces Dorados Night)

• Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 6:00 PM
• Location: Peoples Natural Gas Field, Altoona (one home game this week is listed as free/community entry — see paid section for ticket details)
• Description: The Curve wear their popular Los Peces Dorados ("Gold Fish") identity uniforms for this AA baseball home game against the Harrisburg Senators, part of the Copa de la Diversión series. Note: This is a ticketed game (see Paid Events); however, the Curve regularly offer free/discounted community programs around games.
• Source: milb.com/altoona, ticketmaster.com
  
  

12. Sound Bath Retreat at ArtsAltoona

• Date/Time: Wednesday, May 13 (exact time TBD — contact ArtsAltoona)
• Location: ArtsAltoona, 2212 6th Ave., Altoona
• Description: A relaxing wellness event using the healing vibrations of sound to promote calm and well-being. Also repeats May 16. Recommended for anyone feeling stressed, tired, or anxious.
• Age: Adults/teens
• Cost: Free (verify with ArtsAltoona — discoverblaircounty.com lists it without a price)
• Source: discoverblaircounty.com/calendar/
  
  

13. Sound Bath Retreat at ArtsAltoona (Second Session)

• Date/Time: Saturday, May 16 (exact time TBD — contact ArtsAltoona)
• Location: ArtsAltoona, 2212 6th Ave., Altoona
• Description: Repeat of the May 13 sound bath wellness session. Let the healing powers of sound vibrations help you return to a natural state of calm and well-being.
• Age: Adults/teens
• Cost: Free (verify with ArtsAltoona)
• Source: discoverblaircounty.com/calendar/
  
  

14. Spring Plant Sale

• Date/Time: Saturday, May 16, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (rain or shine)
• Location: Legion Park, Hollidaysburg
• Description: Grab great deals on annuals, perennials, house plants, succulents, and gardening tools. A lovely community gathering ideal for gardening families and a great spring outing.
• Age: All ages
• Cost: Free admission (plants for purchase)
• Source: discoverblaircounty.com/calendar/
  
  

💵 PAID EVENTS

15. Altoona Curve Home Series vs. Harrisburg Senators

• Dates/Times:
  • Tuesday, May 12 – 6:00 PM (Los Peces Dorados Night)
  • Wednesday, May 13 – 11:00 AM (day game)
  • Thursday, May 14 – 6:00 PM
  • Friday, May 15 – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 16 – time TBD
  • Sunday, May 17 – 6:00 PM
• Location: Peoples Natural Gas Field, Blair County, Altoona
• Description: The Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates hosts a full home series against the Harrisburg Senators this week. May 12 features the popular Los Peces Dorados specialty uniform night. Minor league baseball offers affordable family fun with games, food, and ballpark entertainment.
• Age: All ages; great for families
• Cost: Tickets vary; generally $8–$18 depending on seat. Check altoonacurve.com or call 877.99.CURVE
• Source: ticketmaster.com/altoona-curve, milb.com/altoona
  
  

16. Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical

• Dates/Times: May 15 (Friday), May 16 (Saturday), May 17 (Sunday) — exact showtimes TBD; check mishlertheatre.org
• Location: Mishler Theatre, Altoona (historic venue)
• Description: The Blair County premiere of Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical, presented by P&J Productions. This magical full stage production brings beloved songs and characters to life for all ages — an ideal family outing.
• Age: All ages; especially great for families with children
• Cost: $20 + box office fees
• Source: discoverblaircounty.com/calendar/, allevents.in/altoona
  
  

🔍 A NOTE ON LIBRARY COVERAGE

The Blair County Library System includes 8 libraries:

1. Altoona Area Public Library — events listed above ✅
2. Bellwood-Antis Public Library — events listed above ✅
3. Hollidaysburg Area Public Library — no events listed for this week on their site at time of research ⚠️
4. Tyrone-Snyder Public Library — Events Calendar 
5. Martinsburg Community Library — Events Calendar 
6. Claysburg Area Public Library — no publicly available calendar found ⚠️
7. Roaring Spring Community Library — no events for this specific week at time of research ⚠️
8. Williamsburg Public Library — no publicly available calendar found
    

Adventure is worthwhile. - Aesop

**Hey neighbors!** Spring has brought some exciting new energy across Blair County with fresh small businesses (and a few expansions) opening their doors. I dug into local chamber announcements, news, and business pages to spotlight a few standouts from the past month or so. These folks are pouring their hearts into our communities—let's get out there and support them!

### SpeedPro Central PA – Bellwood
**Sara and Jake Bilthuis**, local owners, have opened **SpeedPro Central PA** at 526 N. 4th Street, Suite 1 in Bellwood. This large-format printing and graphics studio officially welcomed the community with a grand opening event on April 13, 2026.

They offer vehicle wraps, banners, signage, wall murals, event graphics, retail branding, and more—perfect for local businesses, organizations, and anyone needing bold visuals that stand out. As Central PA locals, Sara and Jake bring a personal touch to helping area companies "brand boldly" and grow.

What makes them special is that hometown ownership combined with professional, high-quality services right here in northern Blair County. No need to drive far for big-impact printing anymore!

Stop by to say hello, request a quote, or check out their work. Call **814-656-8456** or visit speedpro.com/central-pa. Hours are available on their site—follow them on social for updates and specials. Come celebrate local entrepreneurship!

### Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Altoona
A bright, fresh spot opened its doors in **Park Hills Plaza** (216 Park Hills Plaza, Altoona) back in early March 2026. **Tropical Smoothie Cafe** serves up smoothies, bowls, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and more—great for quick, feel-good meals and snacks.

The team hosted a fun grand opening celebration with ribbon cutting and specials. It's a welcoming, family-friendly addition that brings vibrant energy and healthier options to the area. Residents have been raving about the bright atmosphere and tasty menu since day one.

This franchise location fills a nice niche for grab-and-go goodness while supporting community vibes. Swing in for a smoothie or meal—order online or visit in person. Check their Facebook (tscAltoonaPA) for current hours, promos, and Tropical Rewards details. Perfect for busy days or treating the family!

### Green Bean Coffee House – Hollidaysburg
Coffee lovers, rejoice! **Green Bean Coffee House** celebrated its Hollidaysburg grand opening at Baronner's Farm Market (around 1613 N. Juniata Street area) in March 2026. They serve high-quality coffees, espresso drinks, pastries, and now even partner with local farms for fresh greens and produce.

This expansion brings that cozy, community coffee shop feel tied directly to local agriculture—sip a great cup and grab farm-fresh items in one stop. It's a warm gathering spot that highlights what makes Blair County special: connections between farms, food, and neighbors.

They're open multiple days a week (check exact hours on their site or socials). Follow Greenbean Coffee House on Facebook/Instagram for events, pop-ups, and menu highlights. Support local beans and local farms by stopping in soon!

These openings show the grit and optimism of our local entrepreneurs. Blair County keeps growing one small business at a time. If you know of another new spot (or have updates on these), drop it in the comments—I'd love to feature more in the next roundup.

Get out, explore, and tell these owners you saw it in the newsletter. See you around town! 😊

Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com

Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com

Enjoyed this? Invite your friends and neighbors.

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Be there to get it first. So if you want to know what’s happening around Blair County before your neighbor casually drops that little tidbit in conversation at the next get-together, that you didn't know about....join in before the grapevine gets it wrong again.

Enjoyed this? Invite your friends and neighbors. Share with a friend! 

We'd love your feedback! - theblairbuzz@gmail.com

Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor