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Cambria County's Hot Button Topics: Airport Upgrades, Inclusive Playgrounds, & Sports Hall of Fame Inductees! 🔥🏆🛫


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Cambria County's Hot Button Topics: Airport Upgrades, Inclusive Playgrounds, & Sports Hall of Fame Inductees! 🔥🏆🛫

Cambria Buzz
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Cambria County's Hot Button Topics: Airport Upgrades, Inclusive Playgrounds, & Sports Hall of Fame Inductees! 🔥🏆🛫

Charles Sisk
Apr 29, 2026
Trivia Question❓In what year did Guinness World Records officially recognize the longest line of cupcakes ever assembled? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport is stepping up efforts to draw more travelers from Cambria County by promoting its daily flights through Washington Dulles and Chicago O'Hare, making destinations like Florida more accessible.
Responding to reduced flight options at nearby airports, Johnstown is positioning itself as the go-to hub for regional flyers.
Airport Manager Cory Cree is optimistic that a new digital marketing push will boost both awareness and passenger numbers.
There are also active talks with low-cost carriers to introduce direct, affordable routes to popular spots such as Florida—meeting local demand for easier getaways.
These initiatives highlight the airport’s focus on expanding services and addressing the evolving needs of its community. Read More... |
Community members and leaders in Cambria County cut the ribbon on the Ghost Town Trail loop extension on Wednesday, the second-largest looped rail trail in the U.S. The 32-mile loop has been 32 years in the making, with collaborations between the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority (CCCRA) and other local, state, and federal partners. |
Cambria County, Pennsylvania is championing inclusive play through the creation of special education playgrounds featuring adaptive and sensory equipment.
The Pressley Ridge Day School in Johnstown stands out with its small classes, high staff-to-student ratio, and focus on students with autism or behavioral health needs.
Students benefit from individualized support, social skills programs, and access to a unique sensory motor room designed to enhance development.
In Geistown Borough, the Boise Street Playground upgrade, supported by $15,000 in funding, highlights the community's commitment to accessible recreation for every child.
River Valley Recreation plays a vital role by designing playgrounds with ramps, adaptive swings, and sensory-rich elements, ensuring no child faces barriers to fun.
These efforts mark a significant step forward in providing equal opportunities for all children to play, learn, and grow together. Read More... |
The Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame will honor its 2026 inductees and introduce the first-ever World Champions Wing at its Induction Banquet on July 11.
This year’s class features eight distinguished individuals, including Steve Carlson, Johnstown hockey legend and inspiration for “Slap Shot,” and Jon Majer, a celebrated high school basketball coach with over 600 wins.
Karyn McCready, a national champion javelin thrower, Janae (Dunchack) McGuirk, a record-setting high jumper, and local sports anchor Tim Rigby will also be recognized alongside stellar athletes Jessica (Brutz) Stoddard, John Strittmatter, and Olympic skeleton competitor Daniel Barefoot.
The new World Champions Wing will honor the 2025 West Suburban 12-Under World Series softball champions and world-class wrestlers Bo Bassett, Keegan Bassett, and Jax Forrest.
These honors spotlight Cambria County’s enduring sports excellence and community spirit. Read More... |
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Events in Cambria County, PA: April 29, 2026 – May 5, 2026
🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Cambria County, PAApril 29 – May 5, 2026
✅ FREE EVENTS1. Allied Artists of Johnstown Spring Show 📅 Daily: April 29 – May 2 (Mon–Sat), 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown The Spring Show from the Allied Artists of Johnstown is on display in the main gallery space from April 16–May 30. Members of the AAJ fill the gallery with work of various styles, mediums, and subject matters in an exhibition of the area's talent. An excellent free outing for art-loving families. All ages welcome. 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown 2. Cambria County RV Show 📅 April 29–May 2, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wed–Sat) 📍 Listed via Visit Johnstown (venue details not specified in listing — call ahead to confirm) Over 50 RVs on site with factory direct pricing! Enter to win an RV! A fun, free event for families to explore a huge range of campers and RVs, with a sweepstakes component. All ages welcome. 💰 Cost: Free admission 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown ⚠️ Venue not explicitly stated on the Visit Johnstown listing; recommend calling ahead to confirm location. 3. Story Hour at Portage Public Library 📅 Wednesday, April 29, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Second Floor, Portage Public Library, Portage, PA This FREE program is facilitated by Library volunteers. Story Hour will help your child develop a lifetime love of books, reading, and learning. Registration is required; class size is limited. 👶 Ages: Pre-K (3–5 years) 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 4. Game Night at Cambria County Library 📅 Wednesday, April 29, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Children's Floor, Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown Join us for Game Night between Wednesday between 4–6 p.m. We have a variety of board games, card games, and puzzles. Geared for children 12 under and their families. Grab a snack while you're here! 👦 Ages: All children and families 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 5. Adult Story Time & Craft at Nanty Glo Public Library 📅 Wednesday, April 29, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM 📍 Nanty Glo Public Library, Nanty Glo, PA Adult Story time and Craft — a drop-in community program combining a read-aloud with a hands-on craft activity, open to all adults. 👩 Ages: Adults 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 6. Show and Tell – All Ages at Nanty Glo Public Library 📅 Tuesday, April 28 (Note: confirm if continuation events run Apr 29+) — ongoing weekly program 📍 Nanty Glo Public Library, Nanty Glo, PA Show and Tell for all AGES. A quirky, inclusive community drop-in program welcoming participants from toddlers to seniors. 👨👩👧 Ages: All ages 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 7. Melanoma Awareness Talk – Cresson Public Library 📅 Wednesday, April 29, 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM 📍 Cresson Public Library, Cresson, PA Join nurses, Dr. Jessica Gregg and Dr. Bernadette Marturano, for "Sun, Skin, and Survival: The Melanoma Talk Everyone Needs." An educational health program timed perfectly for sun-safety season. 👩🦳 Ages: Teens and adults 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 8. STEAM Time at Cambria County Library 📅 Thursday, April 30, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Children's Floor, Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown Join us for a fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activity and grab a snack, every Thursday between 4–6 p.m. 👦 Ages: Elementary (6–8) and Tweens (9–12) 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 9. Teen Blackout Poetry at Cambria County Library 📅 Thursday, April 30, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM 📍 Third Floor Programming Room, Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown Using newspapers or book pages, find a poem creatively hidden in the text, and black out the words you don't need. Leave as is, or decorate as you like! 🧒 Ages: Teens (13–18) 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 10. Preschool Story Time at Beaverdale Public Library 📅 Friday, May 1, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Beaverdale Public Library, Beaverdale, PA Little Learners, Big Adventures! Come join us for a magical journey through stories. A special creative craft will follow the story. 👶 Ages: Pre-K (3–5 years) with caregiver 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 12. Growing Readers at Cambria County Library 📅 Monday, April 29 & Monday, May 4, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (weekly) 📍 Children's Floor, Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown Stop in for a garden activity between 4–6 p.m. every Monday! A drop-in educational program combining gardening and reading for elementary-age children. 👦 Ages: Elementary (6–8) and Tweens (9–12) 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 13. Blippi Themed Story Hour at Ebensburg Cambria Public Library 📅 Monday, May 4, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Main Room, Ebensburg Cambria Public Library, Ebensburg, PA Enjoy a Blippi themed storytime presented by our friends at First Summit Arena. This program will take place at the Ebensburg Cambria Public Library, it is for all ages, and registration is required. A fun tie-in with the Blippi Live show coming later in May! 👶 Ages: All ages (infants through tweens) 💰 Cost: Free (registration required) 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 14. Crafty Tuesday (Children's Craft & Snack) at Cambria County Library 📅 Tuesday, April 28 & May 5, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (weekly on Tuesdays) 📍 Children's Floor, Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown Join us for a craft and snack, every Tuesday between 4–6 p.m. Drop-in family friendly program with art materials and snacks provided. 👶 Ages: Infants through Tweens 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 15. 2026 Cambria County Job Fair 📅 Tuesday, May 5, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, 301 Napoleon St., Johnstown The Annual Cambria County Job Fair welcomes up to 100 regional employers and over 500 job seekers annually to downtown Johnstown. While geared for job seekers, this is also a great community gathering event with workforce resources. Free and open to the public. 👩💼 Ages: Adults/teens seeking employment 💰 Cost: Free 🔗 Source: AllEvents.in / Visit Johnstown venue page 💰 PAID EVENTS1. Brick Convention / LEGO Fan Expo 📅 Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown The Johnstown Brick Convention will be in Johnstown, PA on May 2–3, 2026. BRICK CONVENTION is the Greatest LEGO® Fan Event on Earth and brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO® building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. Features massive LEGO displays, professional builders, and free-build zones. Children 2 and under are free. 👨👩👧 Ages: All ages — perfect for kids! 💰 Cost: $15 online / $20 at the door; children 2 & under free 🔗 Source: Brick Convention official site / Visit Johnstown 2. VOMA Presents: Jeff Webb and the Delectable Sound 📅 Saturday, May 2, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM 📍 Venue of Merging Arts (VOMA / Club VOMA), 305 Chestnut St., Johnstown Jeff Webb and the Delectable Sound is led by keyboardist/lead vocalist Jeff Webb. The band plays a variety of classic rock, soul, pop and blues including songs by Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, The Beatles. An intimate listening room experience with live music — a great date night or adult outing. 👨👩 Ages: Adults; check venue age policy 💰 Cost: $10 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown 3. Sandyvale Greenhouse Spring Seminar: TeePee Pole Bean Garden 📅 Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Sandyvale Memorial Gardens & Greenhouse, Johnstown area TeePee Pole Bean Garden — presented by PSU Certified Master Gardener Shannon Eckenrode. Growing pole beans in teepees helps protect them from deer. Fairy lights can be used to decorate. 'Trail of Tears' beans and history will be discussed, and heirloom beans will be distributed. Black Bean brownies will be served. A hands-on gardening workshop with a take-home plant; great for older children and adults. 👩🌾 Ages: Adults; teens welcome 💰 Cost: $25 🔗 Source: Visit Johnstown 4. LEGO Club at Ebensburg Cambria Public Library 📅 Tuesday, April 28, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (also check May 5 — monthly or bi-weekly; registration required) 📍 Main Room, Ebensburg Cambria Public Library, Ebensburg, PA Design. Construct. Create. Let your imagination soar and come build with us! Registration is required and class size is limited. 👦 Ages: Elementary (6–8) and Tweens (9–12) 💰 Cost: Free (registration required; verify if May 5 session is also scheduled) 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System Calendar 📝 Important Notes & Verification DisclaimerVerified from primary sources: All events above come directly from Visit Johnstown's official events calendar, the Cambria County Library System's live calendar, Brick Convention's official website, the Ebensburg Borough website, and local news outlets (WTAJ, Altoona Mirror). Events to confirm before attending:
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Please submit your Events to be shared on the Cambria Buzz Facebook Page, in the Facebook Group and in the Events section of the Newsletter! Events Form |
Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Ebensburg, PA
Wednesday, April 29, 2026: High 55°F, Low 39°F, Light rain Thursday, April 30, 2026: High 50°F, Low 35°F, Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow Friday, May 1, 2026: High 49°F, Low 32°F, Light rain/snow mix Saturday, May 2, 2026: High 46°F, Low 31°F, Light rain/snow mix Sunday, May 3, 2026: High 51°F, Low 32°F, Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow Monday, May 4, 2026: High 63°F, Low 44°F, Light rain Tuesday, May 5, 2026: High 59°F, Low 43°F, Light rain |
Hi neighbors! Before I dive into the latest scoop on new small businesses popping up around Cambria County, I'd love to hear from you. Do you have any specific businesses you've heard about opening recently (or soon), or particular areas—like Johnstown, Ebensburg, Cresson, or elsewhere in the county—that I should prioritize in my research? Feel free to share details so I can make this as relevant and exciting as possible for our community! In the meantime, I've been digging into local news, chamber updates, and community sources for fresh openings from roughly the past month (late March into April 2026) or those on the horizon in the coming weeks. Cambria County continues to show that resilient spirit with entrepreneurs bringing new energy, especially in wellness, baked goods, and fresh treats. Here are a couple of standouts that caught my eye and are worth celebrating: ### Vital Elements – The IV and Wellness Place The owners have created a space designed "JUST FOR YOU," focusing on helping folks recharge, support their energy levels, and prioritize health in a comfortable, community-oriented setting. What makes it special to our area is how it fills a growing need for accessible wellness options right here in Johnstown, where busy neighbors can find convenient ways to feel their best without traveling far. It's a fresh take on self-care that feels both modern and deeply caring—perfect for our hardworking Cambria County folks. Residents can support them by booking online (their site has easy scheduling), stopping in for a consultation, or following along on social media for specials and events. Hours and full contact details are available on their Facebook and website—keep an eye out for community events like workouts or open houses that bring everyone together. If you're looking for a boost, this is a spot that truly cares about local well-being. Let's show up and help them thrive! ### Doin' Donuts The owners are bringing that personal, from-scratch passion to Cambria County, creating donuts made to order and other sweet treats that feel like a warm hug from home. It's the kind of place that highlights our community's love for quality local eats and adds a fun, family-friendly vibe to the plaza. Unique to our area? That vintage truck or nostalgic touch (mentioned in local coverage) paired with truly fresh baking makes it a standout for weekend treats or quick pick-me-ups. They're now open **Wednesday through Sunday**—swing by for donuts hot and fresh, pair them with a shake or coffee, and spread the word to friends and family. Follow their updates locally or drop in to say hello; supporting spots like this keeps our small business scene vibrant and delicious. What a sweet addition to Richland Township! There are whispers of more on the way, like progress on that new downtown Johnstown food market (targeting summer) and ongoing support for artisan spots like Ryan's Artisan Goods or Treats by MiMi through the Cambria Regional Chamber. Our county's growth feels personal—each new door opening is a neighbor chasing a dream and filling a local need. If you know more details on these (or others), or want me to chase down owner stories, quotes, or additional spots in a certain town, just let me know—I'm all ears and ready to celebrate more of what makes Cambria County home. |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! thecambriabuzz@gmail.com |
Quote Of The Day |
"Embrace the beauty of today and let curiosity guide you towards new horizons." |
Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities
Hello, neighbor! It is a beautiful week to be a part of Cambria County. From our trails to our schools, there is so much to be proud of right now. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s take a look at the good news happening in our backyard this week. 🌟 Local ShoutoutsA Loop Decades in the Making: The Ghost Town Trail is Complete!We finally did it! This week, officials gathered in Nanty Glo to cut the ribbon on the Ghost Town Trail C&I Extension. This project completes a 32-mile continuous loop, making it the second-longest looped rail trail in the entire country. It’s a massive win for our local outdoor economy and a beautiful spot for a family bike ride this weekend.
🦸 Local HeroesOfficer Chas Cypher: Pedaling Toward a Better FutureJohnstown Police Officer Chas Cypher is proving that a little grease and a lot of heart can change a kid's life. Through his partnership with Communicycle, Cypher just distributed 80 bicycles to local youth this past Friday to help them get to school and stay active. Over the next few months, he expects to give away over 300 bikes to kids who need them most!
🤝 Local CausesA Tail-Wagging Arrival at Conemaugh ValleyState Representative Frank Burns and Crime Stoppers teamed up this week to introduce a brand-new therapy dog to the Conemaugh Valley School District. This furry friend is here to provide emotional support and a friendly "paws" for students navigating the stresses of the school year. It’s a wonderful initiative to prioritize student mental health in our local classrooms.
💰 FundraisersStep Up for Local Families: The Highmark Walk KickoffRegistration is officially open this week for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, which benefits dozens of our local Johnstown-area nonprofits. While the big walk at Point Stadium isn't until later in May, this is the "crunch time" week for local teams to hit their fundraising goals. Whether you’re walking for the Free Medical Clinic or a local youth center, every dollar helps keep our community services running.
🙋 Volunteer OpportunitiesGreen Thumbs Wanted: Master Gardeners Plant SalesThe Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cambria County are gearing up for their annual plant sales, and they need a hand! Whether you’re an expert gardener or just love being outdoors, they are looking for volunteers to help organize these events which fund local horticultural education and sustainable gardening programs.
📬 Know a neighbor deserving a shoutout? A local cause that needs more eyes on it? We want to hear from you! This newsletter is only as strong as the community that fills it.💙
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Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! thecambriabuzz@gmail.com |
If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Cambria Buzz Newsletter! Here is Dynamite:
How to Adopt Dynamite:
If Dynamite sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: In 2012, Guinness World Records recognized the longest line of cupcakes ever assembled, which was achieved by a team of bakers in Oxford, England, on October 6, 2012. The line consisted of 14,000 cupcakes and measured 4,191.69 meters (13,751 feet 4.8 inches) long. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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