Overview of Cambria Country Arts and Heritage Festival

 Cambria County Arts & Heritage Festival in cooperation with Cambria County Leaders. Dear Friends : Laurel Highlands Historical Village is located in Cambria County. Back when we started our efforts, in 2002 we had one simple goal historical Preservation. To walk the mountains that surround Johnstown, is like stepping back in time, where you can see scattered about the forest floor the old foundations that once housed those pioneers who worked to clear the lands and harvest the timber. The fact is that most of the original Pioneers, who worked so hard in Cambria County, and our surrounding counties, are becoming lost in time. Their stories, their work ethics, their music, their way of life are slowing disappearing. We also have to look at Cambria County and ask ourselves, those in our community how did they survive the test of time? We want to not only show case the families who can trace their roots back many generations, but the business we have, our cities, our townships, and others. We have always valued the role of preservation in preserving community character and honoring those who came before us. Our civic ancestors built the structures that dot our landscapes today and some remain. However most of the story is fading. Our focus areas include: Farming, Conservation, Music, Food, Dance, Home Crafting, Timber, woodworking, and other crafts of the time. We then look to where we are today, and ask the question where are we headed. We also want this event to be a positive event whereby we say “Be proud of who you are, Be proud to say I live in Cambria County.” It’s time to address that disparity. In 2019 Laurel Highlands Historical Village is expanding the opportunities available for historic preservation. Preservation programs offerings will mirror the programs available for arts and heritage organizations, to take part in a first for Cambria County as we host the 2nd ever Cambria County Heritage Festival. For two days next September Saturday the 21stand Sunday the 22nd we invite you, your Community; your Church, your school, your business, your ethnic trade, and your reenactors, to join with others as we recreate a moment lost in time. A time to show case our history, and our progress forward to where we are today. We want to invite anyone and everyone to show case our Cambria County History. The event will take place at Duman Park north of route 422 on route 271. The park will be divided into segments including music, dance, sports, reenactments, static displays of history, Educational stages, food vendors, arts vendors, crafting vendors, living historical displays, and much more. We welcome 4-H groups, FFA, ethnic groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, farmers, loggers, musicians, musical group, churches, historical groups, Police and fire departments, Horses, and others who are proud to say I live in Cambria County. We will be planning a group meeting at the court house in the weeks ahead, to organize groups and team leaders. This is going to provide an opportunity to not only show case your past but also show case your community today and its future. We encourage our townships, our cities, or towns, and municipalities to join us as we come together to show case our County. Our goal is to market the event in Pittsburgh, State College, Altoona and other locations. Please feel free to share this information as we are seeking those individuals and groups who would like to be a part of this historical making event. Also note we are in need of volunteers to help on that day. If you know of anyone or groups who would like to help out please contact us asap. Keep in mind we also need vendors, crafting, food, arts, artisans, applications are located on our web site.                                     Contact Information Concerning 2019 Cambria County Arts and Heritage Festival  – Executive Secretary Patti Defibaugh (814) 288-7017 or at [email protected] E-Mail: LHHV main Office @ [email protected] 501(3c) 86.-1079004 www.laurelhighlandshistoricalvillage.com

Veterans Recognition Event and Biker Run for Veterans

June 15 2019 Laurel Highlands Historical Village and Rocky’s Tavern will be co-hosting the 2nd annual Cambria County Veterans Recognition Event and Bike Run, in support of all veterans. This is the 3rd annual event at Rocky’s and promises to be memorable for all veterans who attend. The event kicks off at 9 am as the staff of Rocky’s provide a free breakfast for all veterans attending. At 10 am we will honor selected veterans from various wars and conflicts, during a special ceremony.

• The Conemaugh Valley DET 287 Marine Corps League will present colors, as the ceremony starts off.
• The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Dan Stonerook.
• Guest minister to ask prayer. A special sing along with each branch’s military hymn will follow the prayer.
• The ceremony includes presentations from Governor Wolf , Congressman Rothfus, State Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr, Representative Jim Rigby, Representative Frank Burns, Cambria County Commissioners, and LHHV Board.
• Guest Speakers include, Tom Caulfield with Veteran Community Initiatives, Retired Douglas Lengenfelder Retired col. US Air Force.
• This year we will have a special presentation of the “Quilts of Valor”. Quilts that are handmade by Patty Wilson and other women from the region.
• The presentation will conclude with Josh H. Hauser, the Cambria County Director of Veteran Affairs, handing out citations to veterans.
• Then TAPS will sound, as we reflect on those we have lost.

During the event we will also be collecting food and paper goods for area veterans in need.

This event is just a small way of saying thanks to veterans, who go unnoticed, those in our community who gave up a part of their life, to serve our country.

At 11 am the Veterans Bike Run registration will start.

Please note even if it rains the bike run is still set to take place. The run is set to travel a route south of Johnstown to Somerset County returning to Rocky’s Tavern around 5 pm. Dinner will be served. The Bike run fee includes the meal. Those not on the bike run wishing to have dinner will pay $10.00 each or $15.00 a couple.

Also during the day there will be guest speakers on hand to chat with veterans about their specific needs, including health care, veteran’s rights, disability, housing and much more. We also plan to have veterans chat session, whereby vets can share their stories with the children attending. There will be a basket party, with many baskets from a variety of local vendors.

The event was created in an effort to help those Veterans who are home bound, and need food and other household items. Those in attendance are being asked to bring in a food donation, which will be used to help those veterans in need. Rocky’s Tavern is accepting food donations ongoing at this time.

If you have any food, paper goods, or any other useful items please feel free to take to Rocky’s Tavern in Woodvale.

We also built a Veterans Memorial, honoring all veterans from all wars and conflicts, in American History. The memorial provides a place for reflection, solitude, and education. The memorial is located on the breast of Hinckston Dam.

Any questions or concerns please call Rocky’s at 814-535-6214 or call LHHV 814-241-6123.