CURTIN VILLAGE EVENT

On July 12, the nonprofit Roland Curtin Foundation will honor five Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots who, after the nation’s independence was secured, settled in Bald Eagle Valley and contributed to the early success of Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village.

Their stories are part of a broader legacy. In total, 297 known Revolutionary War soldiers made their homes in Centre County following the war; 181 are buried within present-day county boundaries. The remaining 116 lived elsewhere at the time of their death or are buried in neighboring counties, particularly those who died after 1839, when a portion of Centre County was used to form Clinton County.

This commemorative program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, 251 Curtin Road, Howard. The event will feature five guest speakers, each sharing the story of a Revolutionary War soldier, along with guided and self-guided tours of the Curtin Mansion and Eagle Furnace complex. Family-friendly activities will include tin piercing, invisible ink, quill pens, period dress and traditional games. Refreshments will be available, including cornbread–a staple of the 1700s–along with cookies, ice cream, water and apple cider.

Admission is $5 for individuals age 11 and older. Guests may also travel by train, departing Bellefonte at 1 p.m. and arriving at Curtin Village at 1:45 p.m. Tickets for “The American Pioneer” ride are available through bellefontetrain.org, and include admission to Curtin Village.

This event is sponsored by the Roland Curtin Foundation. Donations are appreciated to support programming, education, interpretation and maintenance of the many buildings comprising this nationally listed historic property.

JACKSONVILLE

FESTIVAL

The Jacksonville Cemetery Association’s annual Jacksonville Festival will be held on Saturday, July 18.

Documentation shows that the festival dates back 100 years, so this is a milestone year for the festival as well as for America’s celebration. The festival is always held on the third Saturday in July.

The food stands should be ready starting at 5 p.m. so come out and support the festival.

There will be games for the kids and adults, a dime pitch, raffles, lots of your favorite festival foods and live music by the Lomison Family and Friends Band.

New this year in celebration of America’s 250th birthday will be a Baking Contest and a Kids Poster Contest. These contests are only open to residents of Marion Township as participants.

Bakers are needed to enter the pie baking contest using only red, white and blue flavors!

Those pie flavors will be blueberry, cherry or apple! The pies being entered into the competition should be dropped off at the Marion Township building on Friday evening, July 17, from 6-8 p.m., or on Saturday morning from 9-11 a.m. You can also bring your pies to the festival grounds at 4:30 p.m on Saturday. Be sure to bring a small paper with your name and phone number with your pie entry when you drop it off.

Judging will be done at 5 p.m. at the festival and winners will be announced right after the tasting.

All of the pies entered will then be donated to the festival’s dessert and ice cream stand where they will be sold throughout the evening. The proceeds from your pie donations will help to benefit the cemetery association!

Also new this year for the kiddos is a poster decorating contest. The contest is for children in kindergarten through fifth grades who live in Marion Township. The theme is All Things Patriotic. Kids should decorate a poster (size 22 inches X 28 inches) and drop them off at the township building during normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The winners will be announced at 7 p.m. during the festival.

LIGHTHOUSE CAMP CONCERTS

Lamar Lighthouse Camp has announced its Summer Concert Series. Each of the concerts will be held on Sunday evening beginning at 6 p.m. The concerts are free, with a love offering taken each week.

The Larry DeLawder Family will perform the concert on July 12, followed by the Gospel Harmony Boys on July 19. On July 26, The Hyssongs and Divinity Trio will be on stage.

The concerts continue each Sunday evening through Sept. 27.

Lamar Lighthouse Camp is located along Route 64 in Lamar. More info is available at www.lamarlighthousecamp.org or by calling 570-337-0203.

REUNIONS

If you’re having a family reunion this summer and would like to have it listed in our Reunions column, please feel free to send me the details. Be sure to provide a phone number in case there are questions.

— Andrew and Etta Confer Reunion will be held on July 18, at noon, at Bald Eagle State Park at Pavilion 7. Bring a covered dish to share. Contact Sydney Sayers for additional details at 814-883-6449.

— Descendants of Lewis and Ella (Wagner) Boone will gather for their annual Boone Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 1, at noon, at Camp One Point, 3091 Little Marsh Creek Road, Howard. Bring a covered dish to share along with a gift for the White Elephant auction. Questions can be directed to Makenzie by calling 814-933-7730.

LIONS NEWS

— Snow Shoe Lions Club is selling “Lucky Lotto” raffle tickets for $5 each for a chance to win $1,000 in Lottery scratch off tickets. The winning number will be the one drawn in the Pick 3 Lottery game on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available from any Lions Club member.

— Milesburg Lions Club holds a weekly Bingo every Thursday night at the Milesburg Community Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6:45 p.m.

— Howard Area Lions will have their food trailers at the Orviston Festival this evening, July 10, and all day tomorrow. More Lions are asked to take a turn helping in the food stands for a few hours.

— Howard Area Lions will have their food distribution on July 20 at their food bank headquarters, the former Beech Creek Elementary. Folks can come for food aid from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Those seeking food must live in the Lions servicing area.

More Lions, teens and other volunteers are sought to help fill the boxes from the basement and place them into cars. School is out for the summer so this would be the perfect way for teenagers to help the Lions and to feel good about helping folks who live in our community. This would also be a perfect way for you to see what Lionism is all about. Come and volunteer with the Lions and then ask for a membership application to officially become a Howard Area Lion.

— Howard Area Lions have their Lottery calendars for 2027 printed and ready for distribution.

FIRE NEWS

— Pleasant Gap Fire Company’s flea market will be held each Thursday through Aug. 20. The flea market will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, produce, antiques, collectibles, crafts and more will be available at the flea market each week. Please call Mark at 814-355-2753 if you’d like to be a vendor.

There are also a few bonus flea markets happening on specific Sundays during the summer months. Those Sundays will be July 12 and Aug. 9. The flea markets will be held at the Pleasant Gap Fire Company’s carnival grounds, 475 Robinson Lane, Pleasant Gap.

— Miles Township (Rebersburg) Fire Company’s carnival is underway and will continue through Saturday, July 11. Hitchcock Railway will perform tonight. The carnival runs from 5-11 p.m. and features rides, games, food and raffle drawings.

Saturday night will see the Kiddy Tractor Pull starting at 6 p.m. with registration at 5 p.m.

Be sure to get your raffle ticket for the Miles Township Fire Company’s Gun Raffle that’s planned for Sept. 12. Tickets are $10 each or 3/$20 and will be available at the carnival or from any fire company member. The grand prize is a 2026 Polaris Ranger 1000 RTV.

— Snow Shoe Fire Company’s carnival is scheduled for July 14-18, held at the Snow Shoe Carnival Grounds at 310 E. Sycamore St. The carnival kicks off on Tuesday evening with rides, games, food, music, raffles and more. The parade is on Wednesday, July 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening is Kids Night with half priced ride wristbands. Rides provided by Bartlebaugh Amusements. Saturday night is the grand finale fireworks show starting at 10:30 p.m.

Be sure to get your tickets for the fire company’s annual raffle that will be held on Aug. 1 from noon to 5 p.m.

— Sugar Valley Fire Company in Loganton is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on July 23 at the fire station from 1-5:30 p.m. Donors of all blood types are needed.

— Gregg Township (Spring Mills) Fire Company’s carnival will be on July 30-Aug. 1. Parade is on Thursday evening. On Friday night, from 7-10 p.m., The Needhams will be performing live music.

— Centre Hall Fire Company’s Car, Motorcycle, Tractor and Craft Show will be held on Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’d like to be a craft vendor you need to reserve your $10 spot by calling Jake at 814-360-4357.

— Pleasant Gap Fire Company’s annual gun raffle will be held on Sept. 12 at the carnival grounds, 475 Robinson Lane, Pleasant Gap. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the station or from any fire company member. There are 25 gun and cash prizes along with other chances to win during the drawing. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the drawing runs from noon until 4 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided. Must be 21 with a photo ID to enter.

If other fire companies are having carnivals or special events, please be sure to send me an email with the details if you’d like it included here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

— Orviston Celebration will be July 10 and July 11. Bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating while you visit with old friends. Friday night kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Whiffle Ball Slugger’s Derby. An open mic to perform on stage will be held from 8-9 p.m.

Saturday starts bright and early with breakfast in the pavilion from 7-10 a.m. followed by an Opening Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Horseshoe registration and warm-ups starts at 9:30 a.m. Pitching begins at 11 a.m.

The whole day features an assortment of activities, live entertainment, craft and food vendors, raffles and more!) The parade starts at 2 p.m.

You must purchase your tickets for the basket raffle before 6:30 p.m. since winners will be drawn and announced right after the Brick Float at 6:30 p.m.

As is an Orviston tradition, the Lomison Family and Friends will be performing from 7:15-9 p.m. You’re invited to sing along to those familiar ballads!

Closing remarks will be at 9 p.m. and the last prize drawing winners will be announced. The Fantastic Fireworks Finale to Orviston’s 2026 Celebration begins at 9:30 p.m.

— There will be a Ballroom Dinner/Dance on Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m., at Lambert Hall, Bellefonte. For more information call/text Rod at 717-543-8348.

— On Thursday, July 16, join a crochet club at the Friendship Community Library in Beech Creek. Louise’s Loops, in memory of Louise Johnson, runs from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The crochet club meets the first and third Thursday of each month. For more info call the Library at 570-962-2048. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-7 p.m.

— Faith Chapel’s Bargains and Blessings Community Closet will be open on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in conjunction with the annual Roger White Fun Fair being held at the church. Gently used, good quality clothing, shoes and accessories for the entire family are available. Sizes range from infants to 3X and are priced at $5 per bag full. Bags will be provided.

— Faith Chapel Church in Hunter Run is having their annual Roger A. White Fun Fair and Silent Auction on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the church. There will be a moon bounce, games, food, baked goods, a jello eating contest at 1 p.m. and the Silent Auction winners chosen at 2 p.m. Special guests include a balloon artist and the Bald Eagle State Park environmentalists.

For more info on these events at Faith Chapel, follow the church at their Facebook page, faithchapelumc.

— A benefit is being held at the Howard VFW Club on Saturday, July 18, for Jeff and Dorothy Snoberger. The Snoberger’s live in Howard. Jeff suffered a stroke and his eyesight has deteriorated so he isn’t allowed to drive and work.

The benefit will include a Scottish Doubles pool tournament with entry fee being $20. The tournament starts at 11 a.m. with registration beforehand. The kitchen will be open, there will be 50/50 drawings and a basket raffle and more! Stop by the benefit to lend your support!

— Jacksonville Festival will be held on Saturday, July 18, starting at 5 p.m. Food, games, live music, raffles and more! Proceeds benefit the Jacksonville Cemetery Association in their upkeep and maintenance of the cemetery grounds.

— On Monday, July 20, from 4:30-6 p.m., you can learn to draw or enhance your sketches by getting instruction at the Friendship Community Library in Beech Creek. This drawing class is free to those ages 12 and older. The drawing class is held each Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted. For more info call the Library at 570-962-2048. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-7 p.m.

— Beech Creek Wesleyan Church will host the New Love Center’s Mobile Food Pantry on Thursday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals are invited to come into the church for a short pre-registration before obtaining the free food. Bring along any small boxes or reusable bags that you might have for transporting your food items in lieu of using the pantry’s supply of plastic bags.

— Clothes for the Community will be open at Bald Eagle Area High School in Wingate on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free clothing, shoes, accessories and more! Sizes range from newborns to 5X! Donations are now being accepted. Clothing should be clean, slightly used and free of stains! Call Heather at 814-769-0523 for drop off times and locations. Volunteers are needed to help sort and arrange the items by sizes to be put on tables at the school and on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. to pack up leftover items.

— The Back Porch String Band will have their Country Jam on Sunday, July 26, from 2-6 p.m., at the Yearick Center/Howard fire hall. Country Jam is held the fourth Sunday afternoon of each month except in December. The afternoon of music is free, and those attending should bring a snack to share with others there. A hat is passed for you to contribute a few dollars to thank the Howard Fire Company for allowing the folks to gather there for Country Jam each month. If you play an instrument bring it along and join in the fun!

For more info on the band call Connie at 814-625-2724.

— Milesburg Food Bank is open on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 1-3 p.m. This food distribution is held the first Tuesday of each month at the Milesburg Presbyterian Church.

— Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Howard fire hall on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 12:30-6 p.m. Donors of all blood types are needed.

— Senior Cheer Club will meet at noon on Thursday, Aug. 6, at Bald Eagle State Park. Bring a covered dish to share and your own drink. Bring an unwrapped item for the game. We’ll have fellowship, food and fun. Anyone age 55 and over is invited to join us. Call Larry at 570-726-6635 for more info.

It was too hot for the picnic in July at the dam, so we will try it again in August.

— Food distribution will be on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 4-6 p.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 216 McAllister St., Bellefonte. There aren’t any income guidelines but a few questions are asked for those attending for the first time. For more info on these food distributions held the first Thursday of each month, call Leilani “Loni” at 814-548-7835.

— Blanchard Church of Christ will have their Food Pantry open on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 3-5 p.m., at the church. For more info call the church office at 570-962-2423.

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Howard Happenings is written and compiled by Tammy Coakley who can be reached by email at tammysue0115@gmail.com or by telephone at 814-625-2684.