Food, family and lots of history were all a part of this year’s Memorial Day celebration in Boalsburg. Warm weather and sunny skies helped swell the crowd with thousands of people strolling through the streets.
Vendors did a brisk business selling assorted arts and crafts. Lots of people took advantage of the Boalsburg Fire Company’s carnival, lining up for the amusement park rides. On its website, the fire company is calling this year’s carnival, “a huge success.”
There was something for everyone, including an antique car show and live music.
At the Boal Mansion, tour guide Susanna Lee says music is a big part of the festival. “Even me and my dad get up there,” says Lee. “I play drums and he plays guitar and we have random live music all day. And that’s my favorite part of Memorial Day.”
Lee, an eighth generation descendent of the Boal family, kept busy showing visitors around the Columbus Chapel and the museum. The historic building boasts many rare artifacts, some dating back to the 17th century and beyond.
People were really enjoying the event, but no one forgot that Memorial Day is about the American heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep us free.
The wife of an army veteran had this to say, “It’s just amazing that it goes on and on and on and it’s so wonderful that they pay tribute to the families who have lost people. It must be so devastating to the families.”
Vietnam veteran Edward Haywood says he’s grateful for the chance to fight for his country, “I’m proud that I am a veteran and that I got to serve my country. A lot of people don’t see it that way.”
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