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Free film series focuses on waterways

“Pollution to Solution — Saving 86,000 Miles of PA Waterways,” a free film series focused on water conservation, will be shown Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Devorris Downtown Center, 1431 Twelfth Ave., Altoona. The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m., with doors opening at 1 p.m. for visitors to meet local conservation and recreation organizations, including the Blair County Conservation District/NatureWorksPark; John Kennedy Chapter of Trout Unlimited; Interfaith Power and Light; Foundation of PA Watersheds; Green Forests Work, Little Juniata River Association and more. Light ...

Voting opens for downtown mural project

Eighteen local artists have transformed the boarded-up windows of the former Gables Building in downtown Altoona. Now that the art display is complete, residents and visitors are being asked to vote for their favorite. Votes will be accepted Sept. 4-13 online only at AltoonaMirror.com/AltoonaMuralContest. The contest page includes photos of each mural, but the community is urged to visit the downtown area to see the art in person. All online voters will be entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a $500+ prize package that features gift cards from downtown Altoona ...

State archives opens Sept. 11 exhibit

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania State Archives has opened a new exhibit commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “Witness to History: Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001” will feature firsthand accounts, primary documents and artifacts documenting ...

Blair Labor Day parade is Saturday

The Blair Bedford Central Labor Council parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Green Avenue and Ninth Street and continue through downtown Altoona. There will be about 15 different local unions marching, along with the Altoona Area High School band and various cars, antiques and large equipment. There’ll be lots of candy for the kids. Parade organizers are looking forward to a great showing and invite the public to attend.

Nurses picnic set

The Altoona/Mercy Schools of Nursing Alumni Association will hold a picnic from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the American Legion Park in Hollidaysburg. The theme is patriotism. There will be guest speakers from the new UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at UPMC Altoona. Register by Friday, Sept. 4. The cost is $30. Checks should be made out to a AHSON Alumni Association, attention: Janice Thomas, 1857 Dixie Lane, Altoona, PA 16602. Membership is open to any RN who has graduated from any accredited nursing program.

Nonprofits invited to fest

The ninth annual Cambria County Arts & Heritage Festival will be held Sept. 12-13 at Duman Lake Park, sponsored by the Laurel Highlands Historical Village. The two-day event will feature entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, artisans, nonprofit organizations, living history groups, military reenactors, antique tractors and more. Nonprofit organizations can participate at no cost. Applications are available at LHHV.org under the “Festival 2026 Application” tab. For applications or additional information, contact Patti at 814-288-7017 or padefibaugh@gmail.com.