Memorial Day weekend has always been a time when quiet traditions combine with the high energy of the local community. As the birthplace of Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, Boalsburg is the heart of the holiday, and that is not changing. However, with this year being America’s 250th birthday, Happy Valley is going all out with an even wider range of events.

The festivities begin early with the opening of the annual Boalsburg Fire Company Carnival. Running from Thursday, May 21 through Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, the carnival is a local staple, offering rides, games and classic fair food around the fire hall grounds. 

On Friday, the focus shifts to the See Her Win Multi-Sport Festival, presented by the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance and the Penn State women’s athletics “Teammates for Life” initiative. This festival brings together middle school and high school athletes for a weekend of competition and camaraderie. It is designed to empower young women through specialized clinics and speakers focused on leadership and teamwork. By fostering confidence both on and off the field, the festival is a dynamic addition to the weekend, reminding the community that honoring history also means investing in the success of the next generation.

Saturday, May 23 offers time for support and reflection with “A Walk to Remember Our Fallen” at 8 a.m. Hosted by A Soldier’s Hands, Carry the Load and the Pennsylvania Military Museum, this community walk gathers around Gold Star families for remembrance, and includes a 21-gun salute, patriotic music and family activities. 

Although the museum remains under renovation, the grounds will host “Battle Cry of Freedom” Civil War reenactments from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. These living history sessions will include Keystone Tintype photography and historic weapons demonstrations, as well as a “History Mystery” program for kids.

Saturday afternoon brings the community to the streets of Boalsburg for the Annual Memorial Day Parade. This year’s procession will feature the reveal of a replica Liberty Bell sculpture, which will take its permanent place between Duffy’s Tavern and the Bike Roost following the weekend. Anyone is welcome to join with no registration required. Gather at Blue Spring Park by 3 p.m. to line up on West Pine Street to participate.

Saturday evening marks the kickoff of the official America250PA Concert Series. The first concert in the series will take place at the Bryce Jordan Center. With a theme of “A Salute to Service and Sacrifice,” the concert will feature Cole Swindell, with special guest Gabby Barrett. 

For a more intimate historical experience that night, the Pennsylvania Military Museum and Local Historia LLC are hosting “The Civil War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour” at 7 p.m. Penn State Altoona History Professor Jared Frederick will guide participants through the Boalsburg Cemetery, highlighting stories of veterans and their families. The tour begins at the “Honors to the Fallen” monument and concludes at Boal City Brewing.

Memorial Day itself belongs to the traditions that define Boalsburg. The morning starts with the Boalsburg Memorial Fun Run, followed by the “A Day in Towne” festival. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Main Street and Church Street transform into a vibrant market of craft vendors. History enthusiasts can visit the Boalsburg Heritage Museum at 10 a.m. for a Revolutionary War Soldiers presentation, explore the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum grounds or visit the village’s historic blacksmith shop for live demonstrations.

The weekend reaches its peak at 6 p.m. with the annual Memorial Service at the Boalsburg Cemetery. Following the traditional walk from the Diamond, accompanied by Battery B reenactors and bagpipers, the service features the flagging of graves and a final moment of silence. This act of remembrance bridges generations, ensuring the legacy of those who served is never forgotten.

Abby Neely is a PR intern for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, focusing primarily on America250PA projects. She will graduate from Penn State University’s Bellisario College of Communications in May with a degree in Public Relations.