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MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata County will take its first public step toward celebrating America's 250th birthday later this month, joining communities across the Commonwealth in marking the nation's semiquincentennial.
A Kick-Off Rally is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Juniata County Courthouse in Mifflintown, offering residents a chance to learn more about the statewide America250PA initiative and the county's own plans for a major celebration on June 13 in McAlisterville.
Other counties around the Juniata River Valley will hold similar events:
Mifflin County, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, Mifflin County Courthouse, 20 N. Wayne St., Lewistown;
Huntingdon County, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan.23, Bailey Building, 233 Penn St., Huntingdon;
Perry County, 5:15 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Perry County Courthouse, 2 E. Main St., Bloomfield;
Snyder County, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Snyder County Courthouse, 9 W. Market St., Middleburg.
For organizers, the moment feels both long-anticipated and suddenly very real.
"When I did a countdown to the date of our event (June 13) I had a mild panic attack," said Jessica Eaton Guyer, curator of the Tuscarora Academy Museum, president of the Juniata County Historical Society and the county's America250PA advisor.
Guyer admitted the planning process has been a mix of nerves and reward. "Quite truthfully, anxiety ridden and stressful! But also important and worth it. I've learned a lot and made some good friends on our planning committee and with our sponsoring partners."
The Kick-Off Rally is part of the America250PA 2026 Kick Off Events Tour, a statewide effort to bring the anniversary directly to local communities. Since 2018, America250PA has been working to prepare Pennsylvania for the nation's 250th birthday, with a vision of ensuring that every resident feels pride, connection, and belonging during this historic milestone.
The rally will include brief remarks, custom county signage, commemorative items, and light refreshments. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Jan. 24 to help organizers plan appropriately, using the link: https://form.jotform.com/253344756467164. The link is also available through the Juniata County Historical Society and the county's America250PA Facebook page
For Guyer, the arrival of the kickoff event brings a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Is it hard to believe that it's time? Yes," she said.
While she cannot compare Juniata County's plans to those of other counties, she emphasized the goal is to make the celebration meaningful. "Since I don't know what other counties have planned, I can't say how ours will be different. But the goal is to make it special," she said.
The June 13 celebration in McAlisterville will feature a full day of programming. Guyer highlighted several confirmed elements, including a performance of "Blue Juniata" by Zachariah King of Tuscarora Records, Native American dances by Five Feathers Production, and demonstrations by local talent showcasing "the tasks of yesteryear." The day will conclude with fireworks.
Organizers are still welcoming additional participants. "We are still welcoming any other talented makers who would like to participate," Guyer said. "We are also welcoming food vendors, both established companies and also people who would like to do a food stand as a fundraiser." All information and participation forms are available at juniatacountyhistoricalsociety.org/a250pa.
Sponsorship support has been strong, with 19 businesses already contributing to the June event. Guyer expressed gratitude for their involvement but noted that additional sponsors are still needed. She also emphasized the importance of clarity as fundraising continues.
"We want to make sure people don't confuse our fundraising efforts with other patriotic events that may be held in the county," she said. "Unless it has our logo, it's not going to us. We don't want there to be any confusion."
The Kick-Off Rally is designed to introduce residents to the broader America250PA mission while building momentum for the county's June celebration. The statewide initiative aims to highlight local stories, honor community heritage, and bring Pennsylvanians together during the anniversary year.
Guyer said the planning process has been demanding but deeply meaningful. The rally, she noted, is an opportunity for the community to come together at the start of a once-in-a-generation celebration. "We are ready! Join us!" she said in her announcement to county residents.
Community members interested in helping with the planning process are invited to attend the next committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Juniata County Historical Society archives, located in the lower level of the Juniata County Library.