Category: Press Release

Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Train Visit to Lewistown

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Historic Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Locomotive to Make Whistle-Stop in Mifflin County for America250 Tour

Free shuttle service offered by visitors bureau

LEWISTOWN — One of the most powerful and iconic steam locomotives ever built is coming to the Juniata River Valley. Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014 will make a scheduled whistle-stop near the Roundhouse Road crossing in Granville Township on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of its America250 coast-to-coast tour.

The locomotive is expected to arrive at approximately 12:45 p.m. and depart around 1:15 p.m., offering a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to witness a true piece of American railroad history in motion.

Free Shuttle Service Available
To help accommodate large crowds and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau will provide FREE shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 8.

Shuttles will depart from the Lewistown Borough parking lot next to Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home (200 N. Main Street, Lewistown) and will run continuously to and from the Roundhouse Road crossing viewing area. An information tent will also be set up at the parking location.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Big Boy No. 4014 to the Juniata River Valley as part of the America’s 250th celebration,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau. “We anticipate thousands of people traveling to our community since this is the only whistle stop between Lebanon and Altoona. With road closures in place and limited access near the viewing area, we saw a clear need to provide a safe, convenient transportation option. Our goal is to reduce congestion, improve safety, and help ensure this once-in-a-lifetime experience is enjoyable for both our residents and visitors.”

Important Viewing Information
Visitors are reminded that the Lewistown Train Station is closed to the public due to ongoing construction. Only individuals with a valid Amtrak ticket will be permitted in the immediate station area.

The designated viewing area for the locomotive is approximately 1.5 miles beyond the station near the Roundhouse Road crossing.

Traffic Advisory and Safety Guidelines
The Granville Township Police Department advises that significant traffic congestion is expected before and after the train’s arrival. Officers will be deployed throughout the area to assist with traffic management and public safety.

Helen Street will be closed during the event. Additionally, Roundhouse Road will be closed to through traffic from the railroad crossing near Baldwin Drive to State Route 103 North, with access restricted to local traffic only. Visitors should use the northern entrance of Roundhouse Road near the MCIDC Plaza.

Parking and viewing will be permitted along designated portions of Roundhouse Road. Attendees are asked not to block roadways, driveways, or access points and to respect private property and local businesses.

For the safety of all attendees:

  • Remain at least 25 feet from railroad tracks at all times.
  • Never trespass on railroad property, bridges, or rights-of-way.
  • Obey all posted signs and instructions from law enforcement.
  • Do not stop vehicles on roadways, bridges, or railroad crossings.
  • Keep children under close supervision.
  • Be alert for moving trains and equipment on adjacent tracks.
  • Allow extra travel time and expect temporary traffic control measures.

Emergency vehicle access routes must remain clear at all times.

“We welcome visitors coming to Granville Township to experience this unique piece of railroad history,” said Chief Chad Brehman. “We ask everyone to make safety their top priority so that all attendees can enjoy the event and return home safely.”

The public is encouraged to monitor local media, township communications, and official event updates for any changes. Train schedules are subject to change based on railroad operations and weather conditions.

Big Boy No. 4014 is one of only eight surviving Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotives. Measuring more than 132 feet long and weighing over 1.2 million pounds, it is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world. Its national tour celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Mifflin County, as this will be the only whistle-stop between Lebanon and Altoona.

For more information, call (717) 248-6713.

Centuries of Goose, Generations of Luck – Goose Day 2025

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Centuries of Goose, Generations of Luck

Celebrate from September 26–29 in the Juniata River Valley

LEWISTOWN – For more than two centuries, Goose Day has brought luck, laughter, and plenty of goose to the Juniata River Valley—and this year’s celebration promises to be bigger, quirkier, and goose-ier than ever. From September 26–29, the region will be bursting with traditions old and new, proving once again why this one-of-a-kind holiday is worth flocking to.

“We love celebrating the traditions that have made Goose Day special for generations, but we also can’t resist celebrating new ways for people to join the fun,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau. “This year’s mix of classic and goosier events promises to make this year’s celebration the goosiest one yet.”

Here’s what’s new this year:

  • Stars & Stripes Cornhole Goose Day Tournament – Bags, boards, bragging rights, and cash prizes.
  • Two Liberty Bell Unveilings – Adding history and heritage to the mix.
  • American250PA’s Countdown to 250: Mobile Experiential Unit – An interactive stop that brings America’s story to life.
  • Make & Take Classes – Create your own Goose Day keepsakes: a stained-glass goose at Moon Dragon, a flower crown with Asters at Juniata River Commons, or goose-themed paint kits at The Busy Brush.
  • Lucky Friday Street Festival Goes Late – Grab a spot in Monument Square, listen to live music, and watch the Drone Light Show light up the night sky. A few food trucks are sticking around late too, so you can snack while you watch the show.
  • Porch Goose Costume Contest at Zion Hair Salon – Dress up your decorative porch goose, enter the contest, and let the public vote for their favorite.
  • New Photo Op: A Goosemas Story – A holiday spoof you won’t want to miss! Pose with the goose in a pink bunny suit alongside whimsical props like a goose-leg lamp, a Red Ryder BB gun, and the infamous “Fra-gee-lay” box.

Of course, Goose Day wouldn’t be complete without returning favorites:

  • Goose Day Road Rally and Goose Day 5K keep the tradition moving.
  • Drone Light Show – Watch 300 drones light up the sky with goosey images.
  • The Feathered Frolic Mobile Passport – Find all 12 Wild Geese statues, check in, and earn points towards a prize.

And don’t forget the food! This year, 12 locations will serve roast goose dinners (reserve early!), along with creative twists like goose pizza, goose soup, goose tacos, goose poutine, goose crepes, and goose confit.

Shoppers can flock to the GetGoosed.Store for fresh finds, including customized M&Ms and squishy goose toys. The Deck the Downtown group will be selling Goose Day postcards as a fundraiser during Lewistown First Friday and Lucky Friday, and collectors can snag the commemorative Goose Day pictorial postcard at the Lewistown Post Office on Sept. 29. And as always, the first baby born on Goose Day at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital will be wrapped in good fortune—along with a handmade afghan by local artisan Kim Rickert.

With centuries of history, a dash of quirk, and a whole lot of community spirit, Goose Day continues to bring generations together in the Juniata River Valley.

Mark your calendars, grab your flock, and get ready to celebrate Goose Day, September 26–29. Luck—and goose—is waiting for you!

For more details and a full schedule of events, visit gooseday.fun.

Welcome Aboard—Again!

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Juniata River Valley Flight School Takes Off for Second Semester with Chicken Wing Flights and New Prizes

The Juniata River Valley Flight School is back for another semester, and this time, it’s bringing the heat—literally—with the addition of chicken wing flights to its roster of delicious experiences. Beginning May 16, the popular passport program returns with 25 locations offering flavorful flights of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, ice cream, and now wings.

After a successful first semester, the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is excited to invite past participants—and new recruits—to join the journey once more. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or ready for your maiden voyage, the updated passport delivers new tastes and new reasons to get out and explore.

“This program isn’t just about food and drink—it’s about discovering the Juniata River Valley in a fun, rewarding way,” said Jenny Landis, Executive Director of the JRVVB. “And now, with chicken wing flights added to the mix, we’re kicking it up a notch.”

The Juniata River Valley Flight School is powered by Bandwango, a user-friendly digital passport platform. Sign-up is simple at www.jrvvisitors.com/flight-school, where users enter basic contact information and receive a link to add the passport to their mobile home screen.

Once signed up, participants visit any of the 26 participating locations to purchase a flight. With each purchase, users earn points by entering a location-specific PIN provided by staff. Points add up to fun, exclusive prizes—and this semester features all-new rewards including a Flight School luggage tag, beanie, t-shirt, and even a bottle of Wingman Brew N Que’s signature wing sauce. Longtime favorites like stickers, pennants, hats, and hoodies are still available, along with the top-tier prize: earning your golden wings pin.

Redeemed prizes can be picked up at the Visitors Bureau office at 1 W. Market Street in Lewistown or shipped directly. All prizes must be redeemed by May 31, 2026.

“The Juniata River Valley Flight School is a flavorful adventure,” Landis said. “Whether you’re sipping, scooping, or now snacking on wings, we promise a journey your taste buds won’t forget.”

Ready to get your boarding pass? Visit www.jrvvisitors.com/flight-school to sign up and start collecting points.

Rothrock Week 2025

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rowthrock-10×3-print

Celebrate Rothrock Week with Pride—and a Free Bumper Sticker!

LEWISTOWN — The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is proud to kick off Rothrock Week, a celebration honoring our hometown hero Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, the Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania. Born and raised in McVeytown, Dr. Rothrock’s influence on forest conservation is still felt today throughout the state—and especially in the scenic beauty of Rothrock State Forest, named in his honor.

To celebrate, the visitors bureau designed a special edition bumper sticker that proudly displays the correct Mifflin County pronunciation of “Rothrock”—“Row-throck,” not “Raw-throck” like some folks might say.

“It’s a fun and local way to show off both your environmental pride and your Mifflin County roots,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.

These free bumper stickers will be available for pickup at the visitors bureau office, just in time for Earth Day (Tuesday) and Arbor Day (Friday), the perfect time to honor Dr. Rothrock’s conservation legacy and recognize the natural assets we treasure here in the Juniata River Valley.

Rothrock Week is a great opportunity to explore the outdoors, plant a tree, or simply reflect on the importance of preserving our forests.

“Swing by, grab a sticker, and help us spread the word the Mifflin County way—it’s “Row-throck,” and we’re sticking to it!,” said Landis.

For more information or to pick up your bumper sticker, visit the office at 1 W. Market St., Lewistown or call (717) 248-6713.

Blogger Visits JRV

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We’re excited to share a fresh perspective on the Juniata River Valley—straight from the travelers who’ve explored it firsthand! Our guest content creators have wandered our scenic trails, tasted local flavors, and uncovered the hidden gems that make this region special.

Through their blog posts, you’ll find detailed itineraries, personal experiences, and stunning photos that capture the beauty and charm of our area. Whether you’re planning your own visit or just looking for inspiration, these stories offer a glimpse into all the adventures waiting for you here.

Ready to explore? Dive into their journeys and start planning yours today!