America250PA Mifflin County - Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau

Step Back in Time at “An August Day on the Canal”

MCVEYTOWN — Experience life along the Juniata River in the 1800s during “An August Day on the Canal,” a free, family-friendly event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, August 22 at the Newton Hamilton Canal House, 515 Ferguson Valley Road, Newton Hamilton.

Hosted by the Newton-Wayne Historical Society, the event invites visitors to explore how canal boats once navigated the Juniata River and to learn about ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the last surviving lockhouse of its kind. The day will begin with the dedication of a new interpretive sign, highlighting the significance of the site and its role in the region’s transportation history.

Following the dedication, guests can enjoy guided tours and presentations scheduled throughout the day, offering insight into how the lock system operated and the daily life of those who managed canal traffic. The canal house itself served as the home for lockkeepers, who played a vital role in controlling the flow of boats along the waterway.

Visitors can also engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations that bring the past to life. Exhibits will include traditional cauldron canning (demonstration only), and children can try their hand at cutting firewood using a two-man saw. Organizers will have a mule on site to help recreate the authentic sights and sounds of canal-era life.

In addition to educational programming, attendees can enjoy simple, old-fashioned refreshments such as homemade bread, butter, apple butter, and cider.

The Newton Hamilton Canal House is part of the Juniata River Canal Driving Tour, a 125-mile route that highlights historic canal assets across six counties. The tour offers travelers a unique way to explore the remnants of Pennsylvania’s canal era and the communities that grew alongside it.

“Events like this bring history to life in a way that you simply can’t experience in a classroom,” said Sam Miller, president of the Newton Wayne Historical Society. “The canal system played a vital role in shaping our communities, and this is a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents alike to connect with that heritage while enjoying a truly authentic Juniata River Valley experience.”

For more information, contact the Newton Hamilton Historical Society at info@newtonhamilton.org or visit https://www.juniatarivercanaltour.com/.

Next year marks America’s 250^th 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 250^th. 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.