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Supporting the People Who Respond: Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon

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First responders are often called to some of the most difficult and traumatic moments in our community. The Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon helps make sure the people responding to those emergencies have support of their own.

The volunteer organization provides counseling and mental health support to first responders who may be affected by the traumatic events they experience on the job. Its services include support for post-traumatic stress and suicide counseling.

Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and other emergency responders may witness serious accidents, fires, disasters and other events that can have a lasting impact. The Chaplain Platoon provides a local resource for these workers when they need someone to turn to.

The organization is entirely volunteer-based and relies on community support and fundraising efforts to continue its work.

Supporting the mental and emotional well-being of first responders is an important part of supporting public safety as a whole. Organizations like the Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon help provide that support to the men and women who are there for the community during its most difficult moments.

For more information about the organization and upcoming activities, visit the Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon on Facebook.

Explore Parks and Recreation in Altoona

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From neighborhood parks and walking trails to playgrounds, sports courts and community centers, Altoona offers plenty of ways to get outside and stay active.

The Altoona area is home to 26 parks, including an all-abilities park, a spray park and three community centers, managed by the City of Altoona in cooperation with the Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission.

Residents can find opportunities for basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball, along with walking trails, public pavilions and spaces for community activities and musical performances.

Altoona’s parks provide places to play, exercise, gather with family and friends, or simply spend some time outdoors. Throughout the year, many of these spaces also host recreational programs, sports and community events.

The City’s recreation offerings continue to evolve as well. Prospect Pool is currently undergoing a complete renovation, with the renewed facility expected to reopen in 2027.

Whether you’re looking for a playground, a place to walk, a pickup game or somewhere to enjoy a summer afternoon, there’s likely a park or recreation facility nearby to explore.

For more information about local parks and facilities, visit the Central Blair Recreation Commission.

International Overdose Awareness Day Event Set for August 29 in Altoona

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The Altoona community will come together on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day and remember those whose lives have been affected by overdose.

The local event will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Trans4mation Church, 1001 South First Street in Altoona.

International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual worldwide campaign focused on remembering those lost to overdose, supporting families and loved ones, and increasing awareness of resources and strategies that can help save lives.

The Altoona event will include memorial displays and tributes, guest speakers, and onsite resources and support groups for individuals and families.

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31 and concludes International Overdose Awareness Month, recognized throughout August.

For additional information about the Altoona event, visit the International Overdose Awareness Day Blair County PA Facebook page.

Altoona British Car Festival Returns August 28–30

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Classic British automobiles will return to the Altoona area this August for the Central PA British Car Club’s annual Altoona British Car Festival.

Founded in 1994, the Central PA British Car Club promotes the preservation, restoration and display of classic British automobiles, including marques such as MG, Triumph, Jaguar and Austin-Healey. The annual festival is the club’s largest event of the year.

The 2026 Altoona British Car Festival will take place August 28–30, with activities scheduled throughout the weekend.

Festivities begin Friday, August 28, with registration and a pizza party at the Altoona Grand Hotel. On Saturday, participants will take part in tours of Baker Mansion and Lenny’s Classic Car Museum.

The weekend concludes Sunday, August 30, with the main car show at Lakemont Park from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The show is open to the public, giving residents and visitors a chance to see a wide variety of classic British automobiles gathered in one place.

The festival brings car enthusiasts to the Altoona area while showcasing local attractions and celebrating automotive history.

For the complete schedule and additional information, visit the Central PA British Car Club Facebook Page.

Altoona Farmers Market Continues Through October at Heritage Plaza

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The Altoona Farmers Market is continuing its 2026 season at Heritage Plaza, giving residents and downtown visitors a weekly opportunity to shop local, grab lunch and enjoy activities in the heart of the city.

The market is held every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and will continue into October. Local vendors offer a variety of products while special programming brings additional activity to Heritage Plaza throughout the season.

This year’s market also features alternating live music and library story times, creating something different for visitors from week to week.

Farmers markets support local farms and small businesses while helping create vibrant gathering places in the community. Whether you’re stopping by during lunch, shopping for something local or spending some time downtown, the Altoona Farmers Market is an easy way to support local vendors and enjoy Heritage Plaza.

Stop by Thursdays through October and see what’s happening at this week’s market.

For weekly vendor updates, special events and market information, follow the Altoona Farmers Market on Facebook.

PA CareerLink Job Fair Brings More Than 85 Employers to Altoona

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Job seekers will have an opportunity to connect with more than 85 local and regional employers at the upcoming PA CareerLink Blair County Job Fair in Altoona.

The job fair will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Jaffa Shrine, 2200 Broad Avenue. The event is free and open to anyone actively looking for work or interested in exploring new career opportunities.

The general job fair will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a special early-access period reserved for veterans from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Participating employers will be available to answer questions, discuss available positions, make connections with prospective employees and, in some cases, conduct on-site interviews.

Whether you are actively searching for your next position or simply interested in learning more about employment opportunities in the area, the event offers a convenient way to meet a large number of employers in one location.

For additional information and updates, visit PA CareerLink Blair County