Family-Friendly Events in Blair, Aug. 3 – Aug. 9, 2026

7 Brew Coffee (Altoona / Logan Township)

Coffee lovers on Plank Road have a vibrant new morning stop! 7 Brew Coffee officially celebrated its grand opening on July 27, 2026, located at 570 W. Plank Road in the Logan Valley Mall parking lot. Known for its double drive-thru format and high-energy atmosphere, 7 Brew brings over 20,000 customizable drink combinations—ranging from specialty coffees and energy drinks to smoothies and teas—along with 100 new local jobs to Blair County.

Proving their commitment to local roots before even serving their first official cup, 7 Brew hosted a pay-what-you-want "Caffeine for a Cause" preview weekend that raised $23,494 donated directly to the Central PA Humane Society. Swing through the drive-thru during your morning commute or connect with their team on social media to grab your custom brew!

Blair County is heading into a busy, family-friendly late-summer stretch, with five positive trends worth watching.

First, downtown Altoona is leaning into community gatherings, with the Altoona Farmers Market, Heritage Plaza summer concerts, Blooms on the Block, and National Night Out bringing people outside together.

Second, live music remains a strong draw, from local concerts in Altoona and Hollidaysburg to ArtsAltoona’s upcoming tribute show at the convention center.

Third, rail and heritage tourism is gaining momentum, especially around the Railroaders Memorial Museum, Canal Basin Park, and the Railroader’s Life event in Hollidaysburg.

Fourth, family entertainment is booming, with the Altoona Curve, kids’ activities, and community days offering affordable fun for all ages.

Fifth, Tyrone’s steady calendar, including Cruisin’ For a Cause and other chamber-backed activities, shows small-town engagement is alive and well.

Together, these trends highlight a county that is active, welcoming, and easy to enjoy for both residents and visitors. https://www.altoonapa.gov/calendar/local)

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

🌟 Local Shoutouts

Local businesses land statewide recognition for internship programs

Six Blair County-connected employers just got a nice pat on the back from Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation named its 2026 "Greatest Places to Intern in PA" winners, and the list includes some familiar hometown names. Key details: Recognized organizations include Sheetz Inc., 84 Lumber Company, Fulton Bank, Leonard S. Fiore Inc., S&T Bank, and the Giant Company. Announced this week. Source: Altoona Mirror, July 29, 2026

Freedom Ride donations roll in for local veterans

More than 300 motorcyclists turned out last month for the Blair County America 250 Freedom Ride, and this week the payoff arrived: checks presented to two organizations that serve local veterans. Key details: Checks were presented Tuesday, July 28, to the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home and the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. Funds go toward the Veterans Home's welfare fund, supporting resident activities and trips. Source: WJAC, July 28, 2026

🦸 Local Heroes

Firefighters keep a flash flood from turning tragic

When flash flooding hit Tyrone on July 5–6, two girls were swept away in the rushing water. Thanks to fast work from local fire crews, both made it home safe. Key details: Crews from the Neptune, Hookies, Bald Eagle, and Geeseytown fire departments responded. Tyrone Mayor John Harlow later called it "the best of Tyrone." Source: Altoona Mirror

Volunteer crews still mucking out basements, weeks after the flood

Crisis Relief & Recovery, a local nonprofit, has quietly become one of the backbones of Tyrone's flood recovery — showing up day after day to gut damaged homes and haul out ruined furnaces and water heaters, many replaced with donated units from around the country. Key details: The group is currently helping roughly 90 people across about 70 active projects. Volunteers deploy each morning at 9 a.m. from the Tyrone Alliance Church after a quick training and PPE issue. Source: WTAJ, July 2026

📢 Local Causes

Tyrone flood recovery: help is available, and the clock is ticking

The July 5–6 flash flooding hit around 100 properties in Tyrone and surrounding communities, causing an estimated $1 million in damage. State and federal aid is now flowing, but there are real deadlines residents need to know about. Key details: A Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Tyrone Borough building (1100 Logan Ave.) is open weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m. through Aug. 13. SBA physical-damage loan applications are due Sept. 21, 2026. Qualifying households may also be eligible for a one-time state grant up to $20,000 through the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (eligible areas: Altoona, Antis Township, Logan Township, Snyder Township, Tyrone Borough, and Warriors Mark Township in Huntingdon County). Source: Altoona Mirror | PA.gov / PEMA

💛 Fundraisers

Stuff the Bus is back — help send local kids to school ready to learn

United Way of Blair County's annual school supply drive is in full swing, aiming to make sure no local student starts the year without basic supplies. Key details: Families can register now through Aug. 7 by calling 814-317-5108, ext. 3008, or visiting unitedwaysa.org/STB 2026. Donations of pencils, notebooks, folders, backpacks, and more (or cash) can be dropped at the Family Resource Center, United Way, Altoona Area Public Library, or the Blair County Chamber of Commerce. Distribution is Aug. 13, right before school starts. Last year the drive helped 450 local students. Source: Altoona Mirror

🙋 Volunteer Opportunities

Flood cleanup crews need more hands — daily sign-ups open

If you've got a free morning, Tyrone could use you. Crisis Relief & Recovery is still coordinating cleanup across dozens of flood-damaged homes and welcomes new volunteers almost every day. Key details: Volunteers meet at Tyrone Alliance Church, deploy at 9 a.m. daily after training and PPE distribution. The group can take up to 50 new volunteers a day. Source: WTAJ

Miracle League of Blair County needs coaches, buddies, and cheerleaders

This beloved local league gives kids and adults with special needs a real baseball experience — uniforms, dugouts, announcers, and all — and it runs on volunteer power. Key details: Games are Saturdays through August at the Miracle League Field on Maryland Avenue, Altoona. Sign up to volunteer, play, or donate at pamiracleleague.com or by emailing blairmiracleleague@hotmail.com. Source: Altoona Mirror

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