💥 Farmers Squeezed, Car Prices Exploding & Election Promises — Who's Really Paying the Price?!

⛽ Farm costs surge, 🚗 car-buying tips, 🏐 Spikers win & local buzz you can't miss!

Charles Sisk

📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW

* Top Stories: High diesel prices
* Local Events: The Great Pumpkin Plunge
* What's Trending: Cresson welcomes little trick-or-treaters
* Community Engagement: Friends of the Library Used Book Sales
* Pet of the Week: Meet Bart! - Please adopt me!

Trivia Question❓

Which country holds the record for the world's longest place name still in official use, a hill in New Zealand whose full Māori name contains 85 characters and is often abbreviated to Taumata?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Cambria Buzz newsletter is sponsored by

Taylor Ann's Deli & Cafe

Taylor Ann's Deli & Cafe is a welcoming spot offering a hearty menu packed with crowd-pleasing options. From classic sandwiches and burgers to pizzas, strombolis, wings, and fresh salads, there's something for everyone — whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed meal.

Their deli selection adds an extra layer of convenience, making it easy to pick up quality products for home. With early morning hours most days, it's also a great place to start your day.

If you're looking for a friendly neighborhood cafe with a diverse menu, Taylor Ann's Deli & Cafe is well worth a visit.

	Days Open	Mon–Tue, Thu–Sat open; Wed and Sun limited hours
	Hours	Mon–Tue & Thu–Sat 6am–10pm · Sun 10am–5pm · Wed Closed
	Phone	(814) 523-8029

Click here to visit Taylor Ann's Deli & Cafe

Farmers in the Susquehanna Valley feel the pinch of high diesel prices

For Cambria County farmers, rising agricultural diesel prices make essential fieldwork more expensive, even when planting and harvesting cannot wait.

Tractors, combines, loaders and trucks all need fuel, and their costs often come due before growers know what their crops will earn.

Good weather can create a narrow window for long days in the field, leaving little chance to wait for lower prices.

For Cambria County drivers facing another Pennsylvania winter, year-end car discounts may be tempting, but the best deal is the one that fits both the road and the budget.

Shoppers in Johnstown, Ebensburg and Cresson may find room to negotiate on leftover 2025 models as dealers make space for newer vehicles, though selection and incentives vary.

Compare similar vehicles at several dealerships and request written, itemized out-the-door prices that include taxes, fees and optional products.

💬 1 Comment

Lady Spikers pick up second win of season - Altoona Mirror

Cambria County volleyball teams earned three varsity sweeps, while Penn Cambria fell in four sets to Forest Hills.

Central Cambria dominated Johnstown 25-5, 25-15, 25-12 in Ebensburg, led by Gianna Grimaldi’s 14 kills and Riley Anderson’s 30 assists.

Bishop Carroll Catholic beat Bedford 25-22, 25-16, 25-23 behind Olivia Gregg’s 18 kills and 17 digs.

1 reader is talking about this

Top first

Barb M. · 2 hours ago

Gianna Grimaldi with 14 kills in that Central Cambria match is just impressive. That first set score of 25-5 says it all honestly.

14 likes

See the comment

Garrity, Shapiro make regional stops as Election Day nears, citing costs and services

The 2026 Pennsylvania governor's race has come to Cambria County, with both candidates making targeted appeals to a region hungry for real change.

Republican Stacey Garrity, the state's current Treasurer, rallied supporters in State College, centering her campaign on a six-point affordability plan targeting property taxes, utility costs, and expanded natural gas production.

She also took a firm stance on data centers, insisting new facilities must supply their own energy and water without straining local infrastructure — a position that's landed well in smaller communities.

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New on Cambria Buzz: Directory, Hot Spots & Events

Looking for a plumber, tonight's food truck, or something to do this weekend? It's now all in one place at cambriabuzz.com. Browse the local Directory, see which Hot Spots are out and about, and check the Events calendar.

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Know someone who should be listed? Forward this to them. It's the best way to help a local business get found.

Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, Aug. 5 – Aug. 11, 2026

Johnstown Halloween Parade

	Date	October 27
	Time	7:00 PM
	Location	Downtown Johnstown – from Sargent's Stadium at the Point along Main Street
	Price	Free

Get ready for one of Johnstown's greatest traditions — the Johnstown Halloween Parade! Hosted by Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership, this beloved annual event brings spooky fun to the heart of the city every year.

The parade winds its way from Sargent's Stadium at the Point through downtown along Main Street, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for families and Halloween enthusiasts alike.

Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Mark your calendar and come celebrate the season with your neighbors in Downtown Johnstown!

	Johnstown, PA 15901
	814-536-5107

Click to find out more

Oh So Artsy Halloween Party

	Date	October 24
	Time	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
	Location	Bottle Works
	Price	Free

Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon at the Oh So Artsy Halloween Party, hosted by Bottle Works in Johnstown! This totally free, family-friendly event is back and more magical than ever, welcoming little ghouls and goblins of all ages.

Enjoy hands-on kids' crafts, bounce house fun, pumpkin painting, a free snack and beverage bar, and take-home treat bags. Amazing face painting will be provided by the Richland Art Club!

All items and activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early and make a day of it with the whole family.

	411 3rd Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906
	814-535-2020

Click to find out more

Come From Away - Presented by Log Art Theatre

	Date	Thursday, October 22, 2026
	Time	7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
	Location	Westmont Hilltop High School
	Price	CAC Members: $18 / Non-Members: $23

Join Log Art Theatre for a special production of Come From Away, the critically acclaimed musical celebrating humanity's remarkable capacity for kindness and connection. This emotionally powerful show tells the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, where thousands of airline passengers were stranded on September 11, 2001 — and warmly welcomed by the local community.

Featuring music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away has earned 37 award nominations worldwide, including Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards. This added production is part of Log Art Theatre's celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

Tickets are available now — CAC Members pay $18, non-members $23. Four performances run October 22–25, 2026, at Westmont Hilltop High School in Johnstown.

	201 Fair Oaks Dr, Johnstown, PA 15905
	(814) 255-6515

Click to find out more

The Great Pumpkin Plunge

	Date	Friday, October 24
	Time	12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
	Location	Greater Johnstown Community YMCA
	Price	$15

Get ready for a splashing good time at The Great Pumpkin Plunge! Kids will wade in, paddle around, and hunt through a floating pumpkin patch to find their perfect pumpkin — then unleash their inner artist decorating it with colorful creativity.

The best-decorated pumpkin wins a prize, so bring your A-game along with your swimsuit and towel! Open to kids up to age 12, with one pumpkin per child. It's a fun-filled afternoon the whole family will remember.

Join us at the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA for this festive fall event — only $15 per child!

	100 Haynes Street, Johnstown, PA 15901
	814-535-8381

Click to find out more

Bonus Mentions:

U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus
- Monday, Oct. 26, 7:30 PM, at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (Pitt-Johnstown), 450 Schoolhouse Rd.
- Free, and no tickets are needed. pitt
- The program, “Uncommon Valor, Medal of Honor,” is a musical tribute to Medal of Honor recipients. visitjohnstownpa
- Sources: Pitt calendar, Visit Johnstown
Flood City Fall Fest
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 AM–3 PM, at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, 301 Napoleon Street. visitjohnstownpa
- Free admission.
- More than 50 local vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities. allevents
- Sources: Cambria County calendar, AllEvents
Lyter Side Business Association Trunk or Treat
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 1–3 PM, on Lyter Drive, Johnstown 15905.
- More than 15 businesses take part, with a costume contest, a trunk contest, and a hayride to more Halloween fun at The Grove. allevents
- No price is listed.
- Source: AllEvents
3rd Annual Halloweenie at the Boneyard
- Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30–8:30 PM, Central Park, downtown Johnstown.
- Free. Coney Island Lunch donates free hot dogs, served at the Boneyard display. allevents
- The Boneyard has holographic skeletons, fog, fire, and Halloween music. visitjohnstownpa
- Sources: AllEvents, Visit Johnstown
Hite Farms Corn Maze (Northern Cambria)
- Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24–25, 1–8 PM, at 385 Eckenrode Mill Road, Patton.
- $10.
- A corn maze, a wagon ride to a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a corn box for kids, barnyard animals, and a bouncy house. visitjohnstownpa
- Source: Visit Johnstown

📚 Cambria County Library System — All Branch Events

📚 CAMBRIA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CALENDARS

The Cambria County Library System (CCLSYS) operates 14 independent member libraries, each with its own programs and events.
The unified system calendar is at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

The system-wide calendar (covering all branches) can be filtered by library, age group, and event type at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/branches/select

Know a new Cambria County business? Help us welcome new neighbors! If a small business has opened recently or plans to open soon, send its name, location, opening date and website to thecambriabuzz@gmail.com. We’ll verify the details before sharing it.

Cambria Buzz: Five Ways to Celebrate Fall Across the County

Family fun takes the spotlight across Cambria County with upcoming celebrations offering residents and tourists reasons to explore. These five highlights connect northern communities, the county seat, eastern Cambria and greater Johnstown.

Northern Cambria’s community spirit shines. Halloween Night in the Park welcomes families October 31, from 6–8 p.m., at Spangler Fire Company Community Park, 1700 Kennedy Avenue. Admission is free, with businesses and community groups sharing treats.[northerncambriaborough]
Ebensburg brings costumes downtown. The October 31 Halloween parade begins at 1 p.m. at Dauntless Fire Hall on West Sample Street. Trick-or-treating follows until 4 p.m., creating an afternoon outing for visiting families.[wjactv]
Johnstown offers downtown excitement. Trunk-or-treating runs October 24, from 6–7 p.m.; the city’s Halloween parade follows October 27 at 7 p.m. Both offer opportunities to enjoy community celebrations together.[wjactv]
Cresson welcomes little trick-or-treaters. Cresson Sanatorium and Prison hosts its October 31 trunk-or-treat from 2:30–4:30 p.m., following vehicle setup at 2 p.m. Families can enjoy decorated trunks and treats.[cressonsanatorium]
Greater Johnstown extends the celebration. Westmont’s Lyter Drive trunk-or-treat runs October 25, 1–3 p.m. Richland Township follows with trick-or-treating October 29, 6–8 p.m., spreading seasonal cheer across additional county neighborhoods.[wjactv]

Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities

Here is your weekly roundup of positive news, causes, and opportunities from around Cambria County and neighboring community partners!

👏 Local Shoutouts

Community Arts Center of Cambria County Receives $15,000 State Grant

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County has officially been awarded a $15,000 state grant to help support operating expenses and continue bringing high-quality artistic programming to Johnstown and the surrounding region. State Rep. Frank Burns announced the funding, noting the vital role the center plays in elevating local culture and engaging community members of all ages.

Location: Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1218 Menoher Blvd, Johnstown, PA
Details: Learn more about ongoing exhibits and community workshops by visiting the Community Arts Center of Cambria County website.

🦸 Local Heroes

Central Cambria's Ryan Chappell Anchors Local Gridiron Effort

Senior running back Ryan Chappell has been recognized for his tireless work ethic both on and off the field for the Central Cambria Red Devils. Known as an unsung leader in the locker room, Chappell's grit and dedication set an inspiring example for young athletes across the county.

Location: Ebensburg, PA
Details: Read the full game highlight and athlete feature in the Altoona Mirror.

💡 Local Causes

State Grants & Support Available for Regional Food Distribution

Community organizers across Cambria and neighboring counties are highlighting new resource programs aimed at combating food insecurity. The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) announced multi-million dollar support for local food bank distribution networks servicing central PA counties, ensuring pantries remain stocked throughout the fall.

Location: Serving Cambria, Blair, and surrounding regional counties
Details: Find out how local pantries utilize these funds or access food services via the Altoona Mirror Coverage.

🎟️ Fundraisers

Friends of the Library Used Book Sales (Altoona & Hollidaysburg)

Get ready to clear your shelves and stock up on autumn reads! The Hollidaysburg Area Public Library is hosting its Friends of the Library Book Sale this week, followed by the Altoona Area Public Library's Fall Used Book Sale at the end of the month. All proceeds directly fund local library activities, storytimes, and community literacy programs.

Hollidaysburg Sale Dates: October 21–23, 2026 (Special $5 bag sale Thursday evening through Friday)
Altoona Sale Dates: October 30–31, 2026 (Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Details: Check full schedule listings at the Hollidaysburg Library Announcement and Altoona Area Public Library Events.

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Trail Care & Event Volunteers Needed for Cambria Trails

The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA) is seeking community volunteers to assist with maintenance along the county’s 50+ miles of public recreational trails. Whether you enjoy outdoor trail upkeep or helping staff local community walk/run events, volunteers are vital to keeping the trail system clean and safe.

Location: Various trailheads across Cambria County (including Ghost Town Trail and Path of the Flood Trail)
How to Participate: Contact Caytlin Lusk via email at clusk@co.cambria.pa.us.
Details: Visit the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority volunteer portal for more details.

If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Cambria Buzz Newsletter!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

New Zealand (the hill is Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, located in Hawke's Bay on the North Island)

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk

Editor