• Feb 22: The Life and Times of Dorcas Buchanan, presented by Cate Barron, retired editor of The Patriot News. Free admission. Starts at 2 p.m. in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church community Room. Co-hosted by the church and the Mifflin County Historical Society.

• March 28: Star Spangled Soiree. Hosted by the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Manor at the Juniata Valley Winery with tickets available to be purchased at the Chamber office.

• April 19: Screening of the 1989 movie, Glory at the Miller cinema with Mifflin County Historical Society President Forrest Fisher narrating.

• Public art will be shown June through July at East End Coffee Co. in Lewistown.

Photo courtesy of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau
Juniata County Commissioner Alice Grey, America 250PA Representative for Juniata County, Jess Guyer, Executive Director Cassandra Coleman of the America250PA Commission and Juniata County Commissioner Todd Graybill hold up their ceremonial flag during the Juniata County America 250Pa kick off at the Juniata County Courthouse.

• June 13: Angels of Bigfoot fundraising concert event at the Mifflin County Youth Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• June 27: Lewistown Community Band Concert and fireworks will be held at the monument square with fireworks starting after dark. Sponsored by the Mifflin county commissioners and the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.

• July 4: Event at Royale Dairy: TBD

• July 18: America250PA Mifflin county Parade will be held in conjunction with the Allensville Fireman’s Carnival.

• Aug. 22: Newton Hamilton Canal Day. Held at the Canal Gatekeepers House.

Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Pictured is an example of a postcard that Mifflin County residents will be asked to contribute to a time capsule, in celebration of America250PA.

• Sept. 29: Red, White and Goose Day. The celebration will start on Sept. 25 with Lucky Friday in Downtown Lewistown.

• October: Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society event. TBD

• Dec. 3 and 4: Ice Festival Theme this year will be American Adventure.

LEWISTOWN — Pennsylvania’s upcoming celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary is about more than history — it’s about community, perseverance and preparing the next generation, speakers said during a kickoff event Tuesday at the Mifflin County Annex.

“Two hundred fifty years ago, when this experiment in self-government began, the odds were very much against succeeding against the most powerful country in the world,” Mifflin County Commissioner Rob Postal said. “Yet our founders chose perseverance over comfort and optimism over doubt. Men and women with grit, faith and resolve chose liberty over submission and community over division.”

America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman addressed residents from across Mifflin County, Thursday, highlighting the county’s role in Pennsylvania’s story and the broader goals of the semiquincentennial celebration.

“In the 19th century, McVeytown and surrounding communities emerged as the center of the Juniata iron industry, regarded as the best in America,” Coleman said. “Together, industry, agriculture and deep cultural roots define Mifflin County’s distinct place in American history.”

Coleman said America250PA aims to engage residents statewide by connecting Pennsylvania’s past to current issues facing both the commonwealth and the nation.

“America250PA is Pennsylvania’s official commission working across all 67 counties and more than 500 communities to lead this once-in-a-generation celebration of our semiquincentennial,” she said.

Neighboring Juniata County also held its kickoff rally on Thursday, highlighting a similar message. Speakers included Jess Guyer, Juniata County’s America250PA adviser and state Rep. Perry Stambaugh.

Time capsule and other initiatives

Another local announcement came from Jenny Landis, who said the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is launching a community time capsule project in recognition of the occasion.

The bureau is offering 6-by-4-inch postcards that allow participants to write messages, predictions, drawings or attach photos. Completed postcards can be mailed or dropped off at the visitors bureau office. At the end of the year, the postcards will be placed inside the bell outside the Mifflin County Courthouse.

If the space is exceeded, organizers will select an additional location, Landis said. The time capsule will be opened in 25 years.

One of the commission’s major initiatives focuses on investing in future leaders through education. America250PA will award 25 semiquincentennial scholarships valued at $10,000 each to Pennsylvania high school seniors.

“In 2026, Mifflin County will place three additional bells, bringing the total to six,” Coleman said.

Looking ahead, Coleman said America250PA will host five free concerts across Pennsylvania leading up to the Welcome America celebration in Philadelphia.

“These events will bring top-tier national talent and epic live experiences to communities across the commonwealth,” she said.

Attendees were also encouraged to watch for special America250PA-themed beverages, including “Declaration,” a beer created with Runaway Train Brewery, and the America250PA Commonwealth Cosmo made with Mishka Vodka.

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial was established by the Legislature and governor in 2018 to coordinate the statewide commemoration of the nation’s founding.