Flag Day is coming up.

Core Symbolism

National Unity: Unlike Independence Day, which celebrates freedom from British rule, Flag Day explicitly celebrates the birth of the primary symbol that binds the states together.

The Stripes: The 13 horizontal stripes symbolize the original colonies that declared independence.

The Stars: The 50 stars represent the collective strength of the 50 individual sovereign states.

The Colors: According to military tradition, red represents valor and bravery; white represents purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Pennsylvania is the only state that observes it as an official state holiday.

The Blair Buzz is Sponsored by: Simply Drost at SimplyDrost.com

From Slow Mornings to Saturday Errands — Simply Drost Dresses Real Life

Value & Quality Real talk: good style shouldn't break the bank. 💸 Simply Drost is an online consignment boutique run by Jessica Drost of Northern Cambria — and her shop is full of carefully chosen women's pieces at prices that make sense. Maxi dresses for $30. Everyday tops for $16. Cozy sweaters you'll actually reach for. Shop online or catch her at a pop-up near you. 👉 www.SimplyDrost.com

The Great American Pillow Fight is Coming to the Altoona Curve This July!

Get ready for an unforgettable night of fluffy, high-flying fun as the Altoona Curve hosts the legendary "Great American Pillow Fight" at Peoples Natural Gas Field on July 3rd. Read More

Pennsylvania Expands Consumer Protection Outreach with June Events

Free programs aim to help residents recognize scams and safeguard their finances. Read More

Community Effort Launched to Upgrade Blair County Dog Park Fencing

Volunteers seek donations to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure. Read More

For a true, nostalgic mom-and-pop vibe, The Milky Way  in East Freedom is a classic.

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!!!

Family-Friendly Events in Blair, June 1 – June 7, 2026

s'WINGfest at Peoples Natural Gas Field

📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (live music 6–9 PM) 📍 Peoples Natural Gas Field (PNG Field), 1000 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 💰 Admission: FREE | All ages welcome

Description: Blair County's beloved wing festival returns to the home of the Altoona Curve! Sample wings from local favorites including Liz's Kitchen, Tim's American Cafe, Newburg Fire Hall, Chest Springs Tavern, Belly Busters, and Taps on 2nd, with live music from Felix & the Hurricanes. Beer, Dippin' Dots, and other food options are available for purchase. This is an all-ages, family-friendly outdoor event with ample parking.

Age Appropriateness: All ages (alcohol available for 21+ with ID) Source: milb.com/altoona – s'WINGfest page ✅ Verified June 4, 2026 date confirmed directly on the official MiLB

Paws to Read – Hollidaysburg Area Public Library

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, 401 Clark St, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 | ☎ 814-695-0950 💰 Admission: FREE

Description: Children age 5 and up are invited to meet and read aloud to friendly pets from the Central PA Humane Society. Reading to animals builds children's confidence and literacy skills — and gives the adoptable pets some much-needed love. Caregivers are welcome to accompany children.

Age Appropriateness: Ages 5+ with caregivers Source: Altoona Mirror, May 24, 2026 – "Hollidaysburg library schedules June programs" ✅ Specifically named "Saturday, June 6" in the 2026 article.

3rd Annual Wing Fest Express

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Time: Evening (exact start TBD — check Zeffy or Facebook) 📍 Railroaders Memorial Museum, 1200 9th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 💰 Cost: Paid event via Zeffy ticketing — Railroad City Events historically charges $5/ticket; confirm current pricing at their Zeffy page or Facebook

Description: A wing-filled night of flavor, live music, and cold drinks at the iconic Railroaders Memorial Museum. Sample wings from local vendors and vote for the People's Choice Champion in categories including Original/Buffalo, Creative Sweet, Creative Spicy, and Unique. Live music from Better Days and Half Tempted performs throughout the evening. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages available (21+ with valid ID for alcohol).

Age Appropriateness: All ages (alcohol restricted to 21+) Source: DiscoverBlairCounty.com Calendar ✅ Listed as June 6, 2026 with Zeffy ticketing link; page last updated May 29, 2026.

Maverick Baker All-Star Showcase

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Evening (gates/time TBD — check PNG Field box office) 📍 Peoples Natural Gas Field, 1000 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 | ☎ 814-943-5400 💰 Cost: Paid — check AltoonaCurve.com for current pricing

Description: Watch the region's top high school baseball talent in an All-Star Showcase pitting North vs. South teams, featuring standout junior and senior players from across Blair County and surrounding areas. Organized by Maverick's Mission, this charitable event honors the memory of Maverick Baker and his love for the game. A meaningful sports event that supports a local cause.

Age Appropriateness: All ages; great for baseball fans and families Source: DiscoverBlairCounty.com Calendar ✅ Listed as "Saturday, June 6" at PNG Field; page last updated May 29, 2026.

ALTOONA AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY (AAPL)
📍 1600 5th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 | ☎ 814-946-0417 | altoonalibrary.org
Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu 8:30 AM–8 PM | Wed/Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM | Sat 9 AM–4 PM | Closed Sunday
The following are confirmed recurring programs expected to continue in June based on the AAPL's published May 2026 calendar and the Summer Quest 2026 kickoff announcement. All times and registration info should be confirmed by calling the library.
Chess Club (Recurring — Thursday, June 4)
📅 Thursday, June 4 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Free | All ages welcome (under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian). Drop-in, no registration required. Meet at the front tables on the first floor.
Mahjong Club (Recurring — Thursday, June 4)
📅 Thursday, June 4 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free | Adult patrons. Drop-in, no registration required.
Mother Goose (Recurring — Monday, June 1 or Thursday, June 4)
📅 9:30 AM | Free | Ages 12–24 months with caregiver. A unique one-on-one lap-sit program. Registration required: call ext. 123.
Pinochle Club (Recurring — Wednesday, June 3)
📅 Wednesday, June 3 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free | All adult patrons. Drop-in, no registration required.
Preschool Explorers (Recurring — Tuesday/Thursday)
📅 Tuesday, June 2 or Thursday, June 4 | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Free | Ages 4–6. Structured literacy program. Registration required: call ext. 123.
Summer Quest 2026 Kickoff (Special — exact date TBA, likely week of June 8)
📅 To be confirmed — the library's Summer Quest 2026 kickoff flyer was posted in May 2026; programs were expected to begin in early-mid June (the 2025 program kicked off June 9). All-ages summer reading and activities program with weekly prizes. Check altoonalibrary.org for the confirmed start date.
Teen Gaming Club (Recurring — Tuesday, June 2)
📅 Tuesday, June 2 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | In partnership with Video Game Clubs of America. Tabletop games, card games, Nintendo Switch, and more. Registration required: call ext. 125.
Toddler Time (Recurring — Tuesday/Wednesday)
📅 Tuesday, June 2 or Wednesday, June 3 | 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Free | Ages 2–3 with caregiver. Music and movement storytime. Registration required: call ext. 123.
📞 For the full confirmed June calendar, call 814-946-0417 or visit altoonalibrary.org.
🔗 Source: AAPL May 2026 calendar | Summer Quest 2026 kickoff announcement (via library website menu)

HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY
📍 401 Clark St, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 | ☎ 814-695-0950
Source: Altoona Mirror, May 24, 2026 ✅ All events below are confirmed for June 2026.
Altoona/Blair County Photo Society Meeting
📅 Monday, June 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM | Free | All ages/skill levels. The group discusses photography topics including shooting and editing. New members welcome. Questions: call 814-207-1479.
Canasta and Mah Jongg Games
📅 Monday, June 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Free | Adults. Beginners welcome. Recurring every Monday.
Needlework & Arts Group
📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 12:30 PM | Free | Adults. Bring your own materials and projects. Recurring every Tuesday.
Paws to Read (see also FREE Event #2 above)
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Free | Ages 5+ with caregivers. Read to pets from the Central PA Humane Society.
StoryWalk Hollidaysburg (ongoing through Labor Day)
📅 Active June 1–7 (runs Memorial Day through Sept. 1) | Free | All ages. A self-guided walk through Downtown Hollidaysburg following pages of the book "Never Follow a Dinosaur" by Alex Latimer posted on storefront windows. Maps available at the library or on HACP Facebook. Each child who completes the walk receives a free book.
Twisted Stitchers
📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Free | Adults. Bring your own yarn, hooks, and project. Recurring every Wednesday.
Unearth a Story – Adults & Teens Reading Challenge '26 (sign-up available)
📅 Runs June 1 – July 31 | Free | Adults and teens. Earn raffle tickets for every 5 hours of reading. Game cards at the Circulation Desk. Raffle drawings July 31.
The Children's Library is on hiatus during this week to prepare for Summer Reading (which begins June 15).

OTHER BLAIR COUNTY LIBRARY BRANCHES
The Blair County Library System also includes: Bellwood-Antis Public Library (526 Main St, Bellwood), Claysburg Area Public Library, Martinsburg Community Library, Roaring Spring Community Library, Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, and Williamsburg Community Library.
No specific June 1–7, 2026 events were found via web search for these branches at the time of research. For their June calendars, contact them directly or visit blaircountylibraries.org.

🔔 Additional Notes for Families & Tourists

The Together for the 250 BBQ Bash (June 6, Jaffa Shriners) is 21+ only and therefore not included in the family-friendly top picks, though it is a notable community event that weekend.
The StoryWalk in Hollidaysburg is a hidden gem for families — a completely free outdoor literary walk through a charming borough.
Parking at PNG Field for s'WINGfest is free and plentiful.
Always call ahead or check social media for weather cancellations, especially for outdoor events.

The Sweet Spot Creamery - 1524 3rd Ave. Duncansville - Click Here
Check out our current ice cream flavor selection. Save time in your week to sample all of them!

The Main Streed Grille - 400 main street, Bellwood  - The former Irvin’s on Main has officially relaunched as Mainstreet Grille. 

Stone Cellar Restaurant - 2514 7th Avenue, Altoona - Located in the connected Grande Palazzo building, the Stone Cellar is completely open to the general public for lunch and dinner.

Big Boy Steam Locomotive Prep:

Local authorities are making major logistical preparations for the public viewings of the Union Pacific "Big Boy" steam locomotive, which will park at three free public spots in the Altoona area from July 8 to 11. Read More

Sci-Fi Valley Con

Leighty's Farm Market & Flower World Greenhouse

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

🏆 LOCAL SHOUTOUTS

Recognitions, achievements & accomplishments

🍦 Students Scoop Up Success with New Duncansville Creamery

Seven Hollidaysburg Area High School students didn't just study business — they built one. A new partnership between the Hollidaysburg Area School District and Coffee on 3rd gave birth to The Sweet Spot Creamery, which opened in April on Third Avenue in Duncansville, serving Penn State Berkey Creamery products. Coffee on 3rd owner Ashlyn Dugan reached out to the school district when a neighboring space became available, and with support from Superintendent Curtis Whitesel, students were matched with a real-world mentorship experience building the business from scratch. One of the student employees, recent grad Karsten Lolas, is headed to Penn State Altoona to study accounting — talk about turning ice cream into a career path!

📍 Location: The Sweet Spot Creamery, 1524 Third Ave., Duncansville (behind Coffee on 3rd) 🔗 Source: Altoona Mirror

👩‍🏫 Penn State Altoona Educator & Nursing Student Earn WISE Honors

Two Penn State Altoona women are getting a well-deserved spotlight this spring! Lisa Surkovich, assistant teaching professor of literary education and former 38-year public school educator — 31 of them with Hollidaysburg Area School District — was named the 2026 WISE honoree in Education. Emma Peterman, a third-year nursing student who works as a UPMC Altoona patient care technician and serves as president of Penn State Altoona's Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania chapter, was selected as the WISE Rising Star. The WISE (Women Involved in Scholarship and Empowerment) Tribute honors local women for excellence and leadership across multiple categories.

📍 Location: Blair County Convention Center 🔗 Source: Penn State News

🦸 LOCAL HEROES

People going above and beyond

🔨 Builders Association Steps Up for Local Vets

The Blair-Bedford Builders Association is proving that the construction community has a heart of gold. The BBBA, in partnership with Stuckey Ford of Hollidaysburg, launched a "Fill the Truck" donation drive running through June 17 to benefit residents of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. Drop-off locations are available throughout the region, and the campaign will culminate at BBBA's 30th annual golf tournament on June 18 at Iron Masters Country Club in Roaring Spring, with proceeds benefiting the Veterans Home and BBBA's educational initiatives. The Hollidaysburg Veterans Home is the largest of Pennsylvania's six veterans homes, right here in Blair County — and these folks deserve every bit of community love.

📍 Golf Tournament: June 18 at Iron Masters Country Club, Roaring Spring 💰 Donate: Checks payable to "HVH Residents' Welfare Fund," mailed to the BBBA office. Tax-deductible financial contributions also accepted through the PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs. 🔗 Source: Altoona Mirror

💡 LOCAL CAUSES

Community issues needing attention & support

🏠 Helping Ex-Inmates Find Their Footing: A Coalition That Needs Your Voice

When people leave Blair County Prison, what happens next can make or break their future. The Blair County Prison Re-entry Coalition is actively seeking grants to provide financial support for individuals recently released from jail — ideally to cover housing for two re-entrants for six months at a time. Most people coming out of jail don't have much money, especially if they've been incarcerated for a significant period, and the coalition has been working to identify grant opportunities like the Pennsylvania PHARE fund and programs through Operation Our Town. The coalition is also working to establish a formal fund account through a local agency so it can safely store and deploy money to help clients. If you're a landlord, employer, or community group willing to lend a hand or hear more, this group wants to talk to you.

📬 Contact: Blair Health Choices / Blair County Human Services — reach out through operationourtown.org 🔗 Source: Altoona Mirror

🚗 Good News for Local Roads: $887K Coming to Blair Municipalities

Here's some welcome news for anyone tired of dodging potholes! Blair County municipalities will share $887,288 in liquid fuel dollars — state gas tax revenues — that the county failed to spend in 2021 and 2023. Commissioners Dave Kessling and Laura Burke authorized the distribution on May 14, and the funds are required by the state to be spent on road and bridge maintenance or related eligible purposes. Watch for improvement projects popping up in your neighborhood this year.

📅 Authorized: May 14, 2026 🔗 Source: Altoona Mirror

🎗️ FUNDRAISERS

Active campaigns to support

🎖️ "Fill the Truck" for Our Veterans — Drive Ongoing Through June 17

(See "Local Heroes" above for full details!)

This ongoing drive is the most active local fundraiser right now. The Blair-Bedford Builders Association's "Fill the Truck" campaign runs through June 17, with drop-off locations throughout the region. A special collection event takes place at Stuckey Ford of Hollidaysburg, and the campaign wraps up with BBBA's 30th annual golf tournament on June 18 at Iron Masters Country Club in Roaring Spring — with proceeds benefiting the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home and BBBA's educational programs.

💳 Financial donations: Checks payable to "HVH Residents' Welfare Fund" — mail to the BBBA office 📅 Drive ends: June 17, 2026 | Golf tournament: June 18, 2026 🔗 Source: Altoona Mirror

🙋 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to give back right now

🆘 Blair County Emergency Management Needs You!

Floods, storms, and other disasters don't wait for a convenient moment — and Blair County's Emergency Management team is actively recruiting community volunteers. The county's Emergency Management agency is currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support the emergency management team in the aftermath of disasters, recognizing that when disaster strikes, the community depends on neighbors helping neighbors. No specialized background required — they're looking for regular folks ready to step up when it counts most.

📞 Contact: Blair County Emergency Management — (814) 940-5905 or cfredrickson@blaircountypa.gov 🌐 Learn more: blairco.org/departments/emergency-management/volunteers

🧑‍⚕️ Blair Senior Services: Help a Senior Stay Home

Looking for a meaningful, flexible way to volunteer? Blair Senior Services runs the VOICE Program (Volunteer Opportunities Involving Community Empowerment), through which volunteers support vital programs for older adults across Blair County, including the PA MEDI free health insurance counseling program that helps seniors understand their Medicare options and make informed coverage decisions. Trained volunteers can make a real difference in helping older residents stay independent and at home.

📞 Contact: Blair Senior Services — blairsenior.org/opportunities

🧠 NAMI Blair County Seeks Passionate Volunteers

Mental health matters in every community, and NAMI Blair County wants volunteers who feel that too. NAMI Blair County's volunteer orientation introduces new volunteers to the history of NAMI and the work they do to serve and protect those with mental health conditions, seeking like-minded individuals who are dedicated to destigmatizing mental health while offering support to people who are struggling. It's meaningful, community-centered work and they'd love your help.

🌐 Learn more & sign up: namiblaircountypa.org

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

Enjoyed this? Invite your friends and neighbors.

👉 Like and follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheBlairBuzz
That’s where we post daily updates, community questions, and the bonuses you won’t find anywhere else.

👉 Join the Blair Buzz Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theblairbuzz
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