AMERICA250PA: 'Celebrating Today & Looking Ahead'

Every year since 1927, Centre County has celebrated America's founding with one of the best firework shows in the country.

Founded by a group of friends in a church basement back in 2017, the Happy Valley Improv has since grown into one of the most enriching troupes in the community. Since 2021, they have hosted an annual improv festival.

Founded in 1967, the Nittany Valley Symphony has been a tentpole of our musical community for decades.

Every June since 1986, the best of Pennsylvania's chamber, jazz, and orchestral musicians perform together in State College. Performers include Penn State School of Music faculty, alumni, and graduate students.

In December 1948, the State College Choral Society was established as a 35-piece women's choir. They invited men to join them for a performance of Bach's "B Minor Mass", and thus the largest classical choral society in Central Pennsylvania was born.

The Pugh St studio that houses Singing Onstage was built in State College by husband and wife John & Betty Jane Dittmar in 1955. For half a century, generations of students were taught how to dance ballet in this space. In 2003, their daughter and son-in-law formed Singing Onstage, an educational musical theatre association. To this day, Singing Onstage continues to teach young talents how to perform.

Founded in 1974, Talleyrand Park has grown into the heart of the Bellefonte community. Hosting events all throughout the year, while preserving the natural splendor of Central Pennsylvania, Talleyrand is the perfect place to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Founded in 1962, the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus is part of the larger Mid-Atlantic District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which aims to preserve the art form for future generations of performers.

Built by Warner Bros. in 1938 for $70,000 to test screen new films, The State Theatre has long served the Centre County community as a hub for cinema, the performing arts, and academic seminars. Since 2001, the State Theatre has been privately owned as a nonprofit organization, preserving its original architectural integrity. Today it serves as a venue for the annual Centre Film Festival, and even for some Penn State thesis films.

First operated as a public ski resort in the 1960s, Tussey reopened in 1981 with fifty acres of skiable land and has since expanded to host several yearly events such as WingFest and the Happy Valley Music Series. It is a perfect place both summer and winter to adventure and celebrate with your family.