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Altoona Fire Department Upgrades Stations and Replaces Aging Engines

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The Altoona Fire Department has made several important investments in its facilities and equipment as part of its ongoing effort to maintain high safety and operational standards.

Through grant funding, the department has been able to enhance security at all four Altoona fire stations and replace two fire engines that had reached the end of their service life.

The improvements support a department that responds to thousands of calls each year. In 2025 alone, Altoona firefighters responded to more than 3,000 fire and rescue incidents throughout the community.

Maintaining dependable equipment is critical to ensuring firefighters are prepared to respond when emergencies occur. Replacing aging apparatus also helps the department keep its fleet current while supporting the safety of firefighters and the residents they serve.

The station improvements are part of the department’s broader commitment to maintaining its facilities, equipment and training standards.

For more information, visit the Altoona Fire Department.

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.

National Night Out Brings Community and First Responders Together

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The Altoona Police Department joined with the Logan Township Police Department this summer for National Night Out, bringing residents and local first responders together for an evening focused on community, safety and connection.

The free, family-friendly event was held on August 4, 2026 and gave residents an opportunity to meet police officers, firefighters and emergency responders who serve the community every day.

The evening included live music, local vendors, prize giveaways, a bouncy house, family activities and the always-popular police dunk tank.

National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between residents and public safety personnel while encouraging stronger, safer neighborhoods.

Events like National Night Out provide an informal setting for families to get to know the people behind the uniforms, ask questions and learn more about the work of local emergency responders.

For news, community updates and public safety information, follow the Altoona Police Department on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of the Altoona Police Department.

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.

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

HoopsFest Brings More Than 1,000 Players to Downtown Altoona

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Downtown Altoona became a basketball hub this summer as HoopsFest 2026 brought hundreds of teams and thousands of players and spectators into the heart of the city.

Now in its 24th year, HoopsFest is billed as the Mid-Atlantic’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The 2026 event featured 250 teams representing 11 states, with more than 1,000 players competing in over 900 games.

The tournament was held Saturday, July 18, throughout Downtown Altoona, with divisions for youth, adults and competitive players. New for 2026 were an Adult Co-ed Division and a Wheelchair Division, expanding opportunities for even more athletes to take part.

In addition to the competition on the courts, HoopsFest brings residents and visitors downtown for a full day of basketball, food and community activity.

Events like HoopsFest showcase downtown Altoona as a gathering place for large-scale community events while welcoming participants and families from across Pennsylvania and beyond.

For more information about HoopsFest, visit HoopsFest.net.

Big Boy 4014 Makes a Historic Stop in Altoona

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Altoona welcomed one of the most impressive pieces of American railroad history this summer when Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 rolled into the city as part of its cross-country tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Built in 1941, Big Boy No. 4014 stretches 132 feet long and weighs approximately 1.2 million pounds. Only 25 Big Boy locomotives were ever built, and of the eight that remain today, No. 4014 is the only one still operating. After being retired in 1961 with more than one million miles behind it, the locomotive was restored to operating condition in 2019.

The locomotive arrived in Altoona on July 8, beginning three days of activities that drew an estimated 90,000 visitors. Crowds gathered throughout the area to see the massive steam locomotive, including during public viewing opportunities and its trip through one of Altoona’s most recognizable railroad landmarks, Horseshoe Curve.

The visit also brought Governor Josh Shapiro to Altoona and gave residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the city’s railroad heritage in a way few events can match. Downtown businesses and restaurants joined in welcoming visitors during the locomotive’s stay.

For a city whose history is so closely connected to the railroad, the visit of Big Boy No. 4014 was more than an opportunity to see a legendary locomotive. It was a chance to celebrate Altoona’s railroad legacy while introducing thousands of visitors to the community that helped shape American railroading.

The City of Altoona thanks everyone who helped welcome Big Boy 4014 and the thousands of visitors who joined us for this memorable piece of railroad history.

Fireworks Safety in Altoona: Celebrate Safely

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Fireworks can be part of many celebrations, but a few simple precautions can help keep the fun from turning into an emergency.

Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, New Year’s Eve or another special occasion, keep these fireworks safety tips in mind:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should only use them with close adult supervision.
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Only use fireworks outdoors and away from people, homes and flammable materials.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Never hold a lit firework in your hand or attempt to relight a device that did not work properly.
  • Light only one firework at a time, wear protective eyewear and maintain a safe distance.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby and thoroughly soak spent and unused fireworks before disposing of them.
  • Remember that fireworks can be frightening for pets. Take steps to keep animals safe and secure during fireworks displays.

Sparklers require caution, too. According to safety information highlighted in the Mayor’s Newsletter, sparklers account for more than 25% of fireworks-related injuries and half of fireworks injuries involving children under age five. Glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers can provide safer alternatives for young children.

Residents should also be familiar with and follow the City of Altoona’s fireworks ordinances when using fireworks within the City.

For City information and local ordinances, visit AltoonaPA.gov.

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.

Prospect Pool Undergoing Renovation Ahead of 2027 Reopening

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A longtime Altoona recreation facility is getting a fresh start.

Prospect Pool is undergoing a complete renovation during the summer of 2026, with the newly renovated facility expected to welcome children, families and adults back in 2027.

The pool is part of Altoona’s broader network of parks and recreation facilities managed by the City of Altoona in cooperation with the Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission. The area includes 26 parks, an all-abilities park, a spray park and three community centers offering opportunities for recreation throughout the city.

The Prospect Pool project will provide the community with a renewed public swimming facility and another place for residents of all ages to enjoy outdoor recreation.

Additional information about the renovated facility and its 2027 reopening will be shared as the project progresses.

For updates on the renovation and future reopening of Prospect Pool, visit Prospect Pool Altoona.

The Story Behind Altoona’s Gospel Hill Flag

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High above the City of Altoona, the Gospel Hill Flag has become one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks and a lasting symbol of local pride.

The tradition began in 1990, when the first 30-by-60-foot American flag was placed on Gospel Hill. Over the years, the flag became so closely associated with Altoona that it was incorporated into the City of Altoona logo.

Keeping a flag of that size flying above the city takes regular care. Members of the Altoona Fire Department monitor the Gospel Hill Flag and handle repairs and replacement when needed. Because of its exposure to the elements, the flag is typically replaced three to four times each year.

The landmark is also a gathering point for community pride. In June 2026, the City of Altoona and the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation held a special ceremony at Heritage Plaza honoring the Gospel Hill Flag as part of the City’s Flag Day observance. The event included a proclamation from Mayor Matt Pacifico, a guest speaker, music from the Altoona Community Band and participation from the Altoona Police and Fire Departments.

For more than three decades, the Gospel Hill Flag has remained a familiar sight over Altoona — representing both the nation’s Stars and Stripes and a landmark that has become uniquely associated with the city.

Recognizing the Service of Women Veterans

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Women have served in America’s military throughout the nation’s history, taking on roles ranging from nurses and support personnel to direct military service.

Women Veterans Recognition Day commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in June 1948, which formally recognized women as permanent members of the United States Armed Forces.

Pennsylvania became the 23rd state to formally recognize Women Veterans Recognition Day in 2023, joining a growing number of states honoring the contributions and sacrifices of women who have served.

Here in Altoona, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center serves veterans throughout the region and has hosted local Women Veterans Recognition Day activities bringing together veterans, families, staff and community partners.

Women Veterans Recognition Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge generations of women who have served our country and to ensure their contributions remain an important part of our community’s understanding of military service.

The City of Altoona joins communities across Pennsylvania in recognizing and thanking women veterans for their service.

Photo courtesy of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.