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"Revamped Ballfields, Trail Unites 9/11 Memorials, Notre Dame Talent & More in Cambria Buzz Newsletter!"


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"Revamped Ballfields, Trail Unites 9/11 Memorials, Notre Dame Talent & More in Cambria Buzz Newsletter!"

Cambria Buzz
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"Revamped Ballfields, Trail Unites 9/11 Memorials, Notre Dame Talent & More in Cambria Buzz Newsletter!"

Charles Sisk
Jun 24, 2026
Saturday, July 4th is Independence Day🧨 |
Trivia Question❓In the little known world of micronations, what is the name of the self-declared independent state located within the boundaries of Australia? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Flooding issues at two ballfields in Ebensburg Memorial Park have finally been resolved thanks to a $42,000 state grant secured with help from Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria.
The McDonald’s T-ball field, which serves about 80 children across 10 teams, had suffered from severe drainage problems, forcing games to relocate last season.
The First Energy adult field faced similar challenges, affecting local softball leagues and Bishop Carroll’s girls’ team.
Recreation Director Rebecca Williamson explained that last summer’s flooding left both fields under water and unusable.
With the new funding, the Borough will reshape the fields, install proper drainage, and improve materials to prevent future issues.
Williamson emphasized that these upgrades ensure local children can play safely at home, without having to travel.
She thanked Rep. Burns for his advocacy during the grant process, calling it crucial for the community’s youth sports. Read More... |
Kamryn Kamzik, a Central Cambria graduate, discovered her passion for softball at age 12 after trying a variety of sports as a child.
Encouraged by supportive friends and family, her casual interest quickly became a drive to improve, leading her from local teams to competitive leagues, including a pivotal stint in Chicago at age 14.
Her relentless commitment and growing confidence paid off when she earned a spot with the University of Notre Dame, a prestigious achievement shaped by her desire for academic and athletic excellence.
Yet, Kamzik’s journey is deeply rooted in her community; each summer, she returns home to offer pitching lessons and mentorship to young athletes across Cambria County.
She stresses the importance of loving what you do and encourages local youth to stay committed, reminding them that dedication and perseverance can open doors—just as they did for her. Read More... |
The September 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance has acquired a 7.7-acre property in Portage Township, Pennsylvania, aiming to expand the 1,500-mile memorial trail connecting all three 9/11 attack sites.
The land was officially transferred to the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, which will now manage its addition to the regional trail system.
Local supporter Brad Clemenson highlighted how this new right-of-way allows for a more scenic and accessible route, expected to attract both cyclists and pedestrians to Cambria County while enhancing a vital segment of the network.
The project involved teamwork among several organizations and leaders, including State Senator Devlin Robinson, who co-chairs the bipartisan 9/11 Trail Legislative Caucus.
Spanning seven states and Washington, D.C., the trail links the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 Memorial, promising new opportunities for remembrance and recreation. Read More... |
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Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, June 24 – June 30, 2026 |
🚗 22nd Annual Wheels & Wings |
Date/Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Location: Downtown Ebensburg, Cambria County seat (High Street & Center Street area) Description: One of Cambria County's most beloved annual traditions, this car, truck, and motorcycle show is combined with a wing-off competition among local restaurants and vendors, plus live music running through the evening. The event typically draws an enormous crowd and features multiple vehicle classes competing for Best in Class trophies, with one truck, one car, and one motorcycle awarded Best of Show. Food options go well beyond wings — fresh-cut fries, brisket, smoked ribs, Italian sausage, pulled pork, Philly cheesesteak, burgers, and more are available from vendors, and in past years the Ebensburg Presbyterian Church has set up a mini golf course for kids alongside cold beverages and baked goods. Age Appropriateness: All ages; great for car-enthusiast families and kids who love live music and festival food Cost: Free admission for spectators. Vehicle registration for show participants is $10. Food and beverages are for purchase. |
🎆 Middle Taylor Celebrates America Festival & Homecoming |
Date/Time: Friday, June 26, 2026 (2:00 PM) – Saturday, June 27, 2026 (10:00 PM) allevents Location: Middle Taylor Township, 687 Benshoff Hill Rd, Johnstown, PA 15906 (Cambria County) allevents Description: This community festival brings residents and home-comers of all ages together for a weekend of celebrating, learning, and serving. Activities include a car cruise-in, heritage workshops, kids' activities (including a water slide!), a basket party to support the fire department, a cornhole tournament, patriotic and hometown music concerts, learning stations and arts projects, a community pig roast, a parade with homemade floats focused on history, culture, and community pride, and community service projects. With over 100 people interested on AllEvents and a full festival website/app with schedules, this is a genuine grassroots community celebration that's very welcoming to tourists. allevents Age Appropriateness: All ages; water slide and kids' activities specifically for children; the parade is great for the whole family Cost: Free (community event; food available for purchase at the pig roast) Source: AllEvents.in verified listing — https://allevents.in/johnstown/middle-taylor-celebrates-america-festival-and-homecoming/200029882574559 | Festival app/website: https://www.jotform.com/app/260955360191155 |
⚾ Johnstown Mill Rats vs. Lafayette Aviators — Little League Night |
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 7:00 PM Visit Johnstown Location: Sargent's Stadium at the Point, 100 Johns Street, Johnstown, PA 15901 Visit Johnstown Description: The Johnstown Mill Rats are in their sixth season in the Prospect League, the highest level of summer collegiate baseball in the nation, featuring top college players maintaining their NCAA eligibility. June 24 is designated Little League Night, making it one of the most family-focused games of the season. Fans can expect promotions throughout the season, including youth nights, and the stadium itself is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this season. Gates open at 6:00 PM; the ballpark features a grandstand behind the plate and lawn seating down the lines. WJAC TVWJAC TV Age Appropriateness: All ages; excellent for families with sports-loving kids of any age Cost: Box Seats (chairs with backs): $10 | General Admission (bleacher seating): $8 — purchased directly from the team at millrats.com Millrats Source: Official Mill Rats schedule — https://millrats.com/schedule | Visit Johnstown listing — https://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/event/johnstown-mill-rats-baseball/2025-06-24 | Ticket prices — https://millrats.com/single-game-tickets/ |
🏛️ Johnstown Children's Museum & Heritage Discovery Center — "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank" Special Exhibit |
Date/Time: Open June 24, 26, 27, 28 (Wed–Sat 10 AM–5 PM; Sun noon–5 PM; closed Tuesday June 30) Location: Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, 201 6th Ave, Johnstown, PA 15906 Wikipedia Description: This is a two-for-one family destination. The Sidney & Rae Goldblatt Johnstown Children's Museum lets kids explore the history, geography, culture, and ecology of the region through play, featuring interactive exhibits including the "Inclimber" (a climbing structure and slide based on Johnstown's famous Inclined Plane), a coal mine, a water room where kids learn about dams and plumbing, a Mix-Master Studio, a dress-up area and fashion runway, and a play store and kitchen. Running through June 2026 is a powerful special traveling exhibition: Hope Springs Eternal — "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank," developed by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina. Your single admission ticket also covers all other exhibits in the building, including the Iron & Steel Gallery. The Johnstown Flood + 2 Age Appropriateness: Children's Museum best for ages 2–10; Anne Frank exhibit recommended for ages 8 and up; the HDC's history galleries suit tweens, teens, and adults Cost: Adults $10 | Seniors $8 | Children ages 3–18 $8 | Children under 2 free. Combination ticket for both the Heritage Discovery Center and Johnstown Flood Museum: $16 adults / $14 seniors or students. The Johnstown Flood Source: Heritage Johnstown admissions page — https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/attractions/johnstown-childrens-museum/visitor-info/admissions-hours/ |
📝 Also Worth Noting (Honorable Mentions for the Week)
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📚 Cambria County Library System — All Branch Events, June 24–30, 2026 The Cambria County Library System (CCLSYS) operates 14 independent member libraries, each with its own programs and events. Below are their individual event calendar links, listed alphabetically. The unified system calendar is at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month
Each library page links to its specific branch calendar. The system-wide calendar (covering all branches) can be filtered by library, age group, and event type at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/branches/select |
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Here are 5 positive, highly anticipated summer activities and events drawing crowds and trending across Cambria County right now: 1. Festival Season Kickoffs & Downtown Car CruisesA massive summer highlight is Ebensburg’s Annual Wheels & Wings, taking over the downtown streets with a classic car cruise, live music, and plenty of wing vendors. It’s a staple for kicking off the peak of summer. Right alongside it, the Cambria County Bike Fest brings crowds to the Cambria County Fairgrounds for live bands, food truck hubs, and community tournaments. 2. High-Energy Outdoor Concert SeriesLive music is everywhere this season. Between Ebensburg’s Concert in the Park series (where locals grab takeout from downtown eateries and bring lawn chairs to Penn Eben Park) and Johnstown’s outdoor music spaces, warm evening concerts are a major trend. For a unique afternoon vibe, regional favorites like the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners are drawing crowd-pleasing turnouts at local summer music picnics. 3. "Trail Challenges" & Active Outdoor ExplorationWith perfect summer weather, outdoor recreation is hitting its peak. Events like the Ghost Town Trail Challenge have been drawing hundreds of regional hikers and runners attempting everything from casual segments to the grueling 50-mile trek. Families and outdoor enthusiasts are heavily utilizing the Jim Mayer Trail in Johnstown and the Duman Lake County Park amenities for weekend picnics and kayaking. 4. Local Theater & Community Arts ShowcasesCulture is trending indoors and out. The Community Arts Center of Cambria County in Johnstown is seeing fantastic turnout for its local Log Art Theatre productions (like their recent run of Little Shop of Horrors), alongside a surging interest in regional summer painting workshops and youth art camps that keep kids creative during break. 5. Heritage Festivals & Local MarketsThe community is rallying around regional pride and fresh food. Anticipation is building for the upcoming Northern Cambria County Regional Heritage Festival in July, while the local Ebensburg Farmer’s Market and surrounding community farm stands are a weekly staple for residents looking to shop local, grab fresh produce, and meet up with neighbors. |
Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities
Hello, neighbors! Welcome to this week’s edition of your Cambria Buzz Community Newsletter. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we highlight the amazing achievements, helping hands, and upcoming opportunities that make our community a truly wonderful place to live. Local Shoutouts:Fueling the Future: Cambria County Vocational Programs Secure Big Grants!Our local students and technical schools just received a massive boost to help them train for tomorrow's workforce! State Rep. Frank Burns announced this month that three Cambria County institutions have been awarded a combined total of $252,498 in state grants. These funds will go directly toward state-of-the-art equipment to ensure our youth have a direct pathway to great careers right here at home.
Local Heroes:Safe Havens Supported: Boosting Critical Care for Women and FamiliesA massive shoutout to the dedicated staff and community leaders working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure funding for emergency and transitional housing. This past week, Rep. Frank Burns secured an additional $350,000 in vital state funding for the Johnstown Women's Help Center, alongside another $350,000 allocated for regional emergency housing. These efforts ensure that local individuals and families facing crises have a safe, supportive place to turn when they need it most.
Local Causes:"Unearth a Story" This Summer at Our Regional Libraries!Ignite a love of reading and keep the kids learning all summer long! The Hollidaysburg and Altoona Area Public Libraries have officially kicked off their 2026 Summer Reading Programs, and there are amazing activities happening right now. From historic board game nights to interactive science workshops, our local libraries are serving as crucial community hubs to keep minds active and connected.
Fundraisers:Revving Up for a Cause: Wheels & Wings and Bike Fest 2026Get ready for great music, incredible food, and a wonderful community gathering that brings vital economic support and fundraising opportunities to local civic groups. The annual Wheels & Wings event in downtown Ebensburg and Bike Fest 2026 are rolling into town this week! These events bring together regional vendors, crafters, and families, with proceeds and donations directly supporting local emergency services and community development projects.
Volunteer Opportunities:Paws, Claws, and Helping Hands: Volunteer at the Humane SocietyIf you have some extra love to give, our furry friends at the Humane Society of Cambria County would love to meet you! The shelter relies heavily on community volunteers to provide the highest level of care for their animals. Whether you want to stretch your legs as a dog walker, cuddle some kittens, assist with yard maintenance, or help out at community events, there is a perfect spot for you to make a true difference.
Have a fantastic week, everyone! Let's keep lifting each other up and making Cambria County proud. Have a local story or a small business achievement we should feature next time? Feel free to reach out and let us know! |
If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Cambria Buzz Newsletter! |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Principality of Hutt River. |
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