Tourism spending up by 60% in Juniata County

Commissioners hear updates from visitors bureau

MIFFLINTOWN -- Tourism spending in Juniata County climbed 60% over four years, reaching $46 million in 2024, officials told county commissioners Tuesday.

Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jenny Landis presented the figures during the commissioners' meeting while outlining the bureau's efforts to attract visitors and support local businesses throughout Juniata and Mifflin counties.

The spending total includes lodging, transportation, recreation, food and retail purchases made by visitors, whom Landis defined as people who cross the county line and spend at least $1.

Landis said the bureau promotes restaurants, shops, outdoor recreation, hiking trails, water activities and weekend getaways through advertising aimed at audiences outside the region to encourage tourism and generate revenue for local businesses.

She noted the bureau employs a communications director, graphic designer, brand designer and other staff members to market the region and increase visitation.

Landis encouraged residents to visit the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau website and Facebook page for information on monthly events and indoor and outdoor activities.

Among the events highlighted were Goose Day celebrations, scheduled for Sept. 26-29 in Juniata and Mifflin counties. The annual tradition features themed events, meals and activities centered around the local belief that eating goose on Sept. 29 brings wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

Landis also promoted the Festival of Ice, held Thursday and Friday evenings the week after Thanksgiving. The event features ice sculptures created by First Night State College sculptors led by Ernie DiMartino of DiMartino Ice, along with activities and promotions hosted by local businesses.

In other business, commissioners announced the Juniata County Courthouse website has been updated to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards for users with hearing and vision impairments. The redesigned website, created by CivicPlus, is available at juniataco.org.

Commissioners also:

• Approved three letters of support for Multimodal Transportation Fund applications for improvements to Sunset Road in Fayette Township, Black Log Road in Lack Township and Delaware Hill Road in Delaware Township.

• Approved purchase-of-service agreements for Juniata County Human Services to provide administrative services and staffing from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

• Approved a purchase-of-service agreement with Outside In School of Experiential Education Inc. to provide child welfare services for Juniata County Children and Youth Services from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

• Approved hazardous materials payments of $141.18 to WEX Bank and $1,892.09 to Lake Ford.

• Approved the certification statement for County Children and Youth Social Service Programs for the period of April 1 through June 30, 2026.

• Approved the monthly Children and Youth report and the Act 148 report submitted by the Juniata County Children and Youth office.

The next scheduled Juniata County Commissioners meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11.