Make memories you’ll never forget this Memorial Day Weekend in Happy Valley – explore, discover, and remember.
Boalsburg in Centre County is recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day in the United States. In October 1864, three local women honored fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves—starting a tradition that lives on today. Walk in their footsteps this Memorial Day and experience the town’s carnival, parades, historical reenactments, and more. Be sure to visit the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum.
SEE HER WIN is a celebration of girls’ athletics coming to Penn State University over Memorial Day Weekend 2026. Hosted by the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance in partnership with Teammates for Life, this multi-sport festival brings together teams from across the region for a weekend of competition, clinics, and connection—designed to inspire athletes, families, and fans alike.
There’s no better place to experience it than Happy Valley!
Every Memorial Day weekend, the community transforms into a place of remembrance and reflection. Local organizations, families, veterans, and visitors gather for parades, music, historical presentations, and tributes to those who served. The highlight remains the solemn decoration of graves, a ceremony that mirrors the heartfelt actions of Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller, and Elizabeth Meyer in 1864.
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