Blair County Prepares for America250 Celebrations
The America250PA Blair County committee began planning in 2022 for the United States Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years in 2026. At the time, the milestone seemed distant, according to committee member Amy Mearkle. Now, with the celebration only weeks away, excitement is building.
Mearkle shared these thoughts during the Blair County Chamber of Commerce breakfast club meeting held at the Blair County Convention Center. The kickoff event is scheduled in 11 weeks at the Blair County Courthouse, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., where state and county committee representatives will gather.
Core Themes and Educational Efforts
The celebration centers around four key platforms, represented by the acronym E.P.I.C.: Education, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate.
- Blair County plans to engage students by distributing activity books to every public, private, and Christian school next spring.
- Committee members aim to hold assemblies at most elementary schools in the area to further enhance education about American history.
- Secondary students will also receive the activity books as part of the outreach.
"In 11 weeks, representatives from the state and county America250PA committees will gather at the Blair County Courthouse for the kickoff event." — Amy Mearkle
These efforts seek to inspire the younger generation to appreciate the rich history and significance of America’s 250th anniversary.
Author’s summary: Blair County is actively preparing for the 2026 Semiquincentennial with educational programs and a kickoff event to engage the community in celebrating America’s 250 years.