Next year marks America’s 250th birthday. Pennsylvania has been gearing up for this over the last few years. The state agency that’s coordinating efforts, America250PA, has started programs that include Pennsylvania Day, Memorial Flag Initiative, and the #PAProud Servicemember Spotlight. Two of their programs have already reached Mifflin County. The Keystone Classroom Initiative was at Lewistown Elementary School in December and the Liberty Tree was planted with help from the McVeytown Mason Lodge in October.
Jenny Landis, director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, has been coordinating plans for Mifflin County. “My office has held a few meetings with area historical societies, governments, and business owners. And now that a plan has been devised, it’s time to bring the community in,” Landis explained.
While it seems obvious that the Revolutionary War would take center stage for the celebrations, that’s not necessarily what America250PA has in mind. Their campaign themes are “Educate. Preserve. Innovate. Celebrate.” A list of platforms has also been created to bring in things like the arts, science, agriculture, youth programs and more.
“America250PA’s hope is that every community in the Commonwealth can get behind one or more of these platforms and use them to show their pride and respect for this country we live in,” says Landis. “And don’t forget that it’s also a reason to celebrate.”
From the previous meetings, a general plan for 2026 has been developed. Focusing on the fourth weekend of each month, a different community could host some kind of celebration, event, contest, or activity that highlights the 250th. A few communities already have something going on at that time. Country Memories Day is on the fourth Saturday of May and Goose Day is on the fourth weekend of September. The annual fireworks are held on the Saturday before July 4 and that falls on the fourth Saturday in June. The fireworks will kick off a week-long celebration all over the county.
“This bridge week will bring out the patriotism in everyone. That’s when everyone gets involved and brings their own style of patriotic passion,” explains Landis. “From red, white and blue ice cream sundaes to showing off your best BBQ recipe. I’m really hoping we get a beard or mullet contest and elaborate decorations on homes and businesses.”
The Visitors Bureau will collect information from everyone planning to do something to celebrate and create a list to use for promotion. This is similar to how we promote Goose Day activities every September. The America250PA agency will help share the information, but it must be submitted before the end of this year.
“That means we need to get talking about ideas and making plans for next year,” suggests Landis.
For more information, follow the America250PA – Mifflin County Facebook page or contact Jenny Landis at jlandis@jrvvisitors.com or at 717-248-6713.