How Would you Celebrate the 150th Memorial Day in Boalsburg?

Boalsburg bills itself as the birthplace of Memorial Day, which means the holiday is a big deal around here. And it’s going to be a huge deal next year, when the town observes the 150th Memorial Day Celebration.

Planning is already underway, and it’s become a collaborative effort. Organizations such as the Heritage Museum, Lions Club and Village Conservancy, among others, are working with Harris Township officials. More help is needed, though, and that’s where residents come in.

“We’re really trying to reach out and get residents and individuals involved because it is the 150th,” says Amy Farkas, Harris Township manager. “In addition to the festival, which happens every year, and the fireman’s carnival, we want to plan some special activities around the anniversary of Memorial Day.”

In 1864, three women visited Boalsburg cemetery and placed flowers on the graves of loved ones who died in the Civil War. That first Memorial Day observance actually happened in October. Farkas says an event is being planned for October 2014 to commemorate that historic event in addition to a larger celebration on Memorial Day in May.

Residents have already been offering ideas. Someone gave a booklet to Farkas from the 85th anniversary of Memorial Day in Boalsburg from 1949 with descriptions of celebrations from 1869 to 1901.

“So we want to incorporate some of the historical aspects of those celebrations,” Farkas says. “It talked about the weather and what bands played. It gives a really good picture of what happened in town back then.”

Additional events are still in the works which makes it a great opportunity for residents to be heard.

“This is where we need the help of our residents,” she says. “No idea is dumb. Every idea is on the table and is a good idea. And we’d like to discuss every idea and see what people have to say.”

The township and other organizations involved will begin brainstorming more ideas in July, Farkas says, but in order to make the 150th celebration bigger than previous years, more volunteers are needed to help.

“We want this to be special and we want there to be special events,” she says. “And to ask the people who work so hard to plan the regular Memorial Day activities would be unfair to them.”

“We do want to reach out to other folks. If they have a special talent to help us with or a treasure they want to bring to us, that’s great. Help us plan this.”

Those with an idea or interested in volunteering can call the Harris Township office at (814) 466-6205 or email Amy Farkas at Afarkas@comcast.net. Click HERE for updates on the project.