JOHNSTOWN — A number of events are being planned in Cambria County in celebration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, said Nicole Waligora, chairperson of the Cambria County America 250 committee.

Although details for a number of events are still being ironed out, the committee already planted a Liberty Tree in April at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens in Johnstown as a living tribute to the enduring values of freedom and unity, Waligora said.

The tree planting was an effort led by the Pennsylvania America 250 Mobile Unit, Waligora said, noting the two groups are working closely on a number of projects, including an upcoming project to bring a fiberglass Liberty Bell to Cambria County.

The Liberty Bell project is going to be similar to the one at DelGrosso’s Park in Blair County in that it will be designed and painted by a local artist. But officials in Cambria County are still searching for people to sponsor the project, Waligora said, adding there could be multiple sponsors who would each have a say in where the bell is eventually put on display.

“That’s kind of a developing project right now. We’re in the infancy of that until we help them find somebody that will sponsor the project,” Waligora said of the bell.

A torch that’s unique to Cambria County will also be designed and made by J. Andrew Jacobs Ornamental Iron of Northern Cambria, Waligora said, noting each school district in the county will host the torch for one week before ceremoniously passing it to the next district.

“We are encouraging the schools to share it with the students and the community in whatever creative way they want to,” Waligora said. “It’s going to be a really impressive piece of art.”

The torch will likely be passed next year, beginning at the end of winter or early spring and running through the start of summer, Waligora said. The Cambria County America 250 Steering Committee is currently working on that schedule and a lot of districts have already expressed interest in the idea, she said.

Essay contest planned

Waligora said the committee feels it’s “really important” to engage with young people and school districts for their upcoming projects. That’s why the committee plans to launch an essay contest in October for students across the county to explore themes of freedom, democracy and the enduring legacy of the Declaration of Independence, she said.

School district officials will pick the top three essays from their district before submitting them to a portal to be evaluated by three judges.

The contest is divided into two categories based on grade level. Monetary prizes and certificates will be given to students who place first, second and third in each category during the Cambria County America 250 Celebration event on July 4, 2026.

The event will take place outside of the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg, where students will read their winning essays aloud, Waligora said.

Jerry Zahorchak, a committee member who is spearheading the essay project, said the essays will be judged based on creativity and originality, clarity and organization of ideas, the student’s connection to the chosen theme and the historical accuracy and relevance of the topic.

In the middle school category, for students in fourth through eighth grade, a total of $600 will be given to the winners: $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place, Zahorchak said.

In the high school category, for students in grades nine through 12, a total of $3,000 will be given to the winners: $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place, he said.

Zahorchak, a former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, said the contest is an exciting idea to be a part of because “it pushes the idea that student education is absolutely essential to American citizenry.”

Various celebrations on tap

Waligora said a number of other programs will take place throughout Ebensburg on Independence Day. But they have yet to be finalized, she said.

A quiz show highlighting local and state history is also in the works, Waligora said.

“The details are still pending with that,” Waligora said, adding, “I’m not sure where that’s going to air yet. The person in our committee is still in the preliminary stages of planning that, but that’s something that we hope to do as well.”

The July 4 celebration in Ebensburg will essentially be “a wrap up of the activities for the 250th anniversary,” Waligora said.

Cambria County Commissioner Keith Rager, who is also on the Cambria County America 250 Steering committee, said he is looking forward to celebrating the country’s milestone.

When the United States celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1976, Rager was in the Middle East, serving in the Marine Corps.

“It means a lot to me as a veteran,” Rager said of celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.

Rager said the events being planned as part of the anniversary should serve as reminders that the freedoms Americans enjoy today were “hard won.”

Rager said he hopes the students who participate in the essay contest and see the Cambria County torch being passed realize the cost of freedom.

“The takeaway for me is very simple. What does freedom mean to you,” Rager asked. “I think we’re losing that in our society. We live in a free country where you’re able to do whatever you want to do, so what does it mean to you?”

Waligora said the committee is actively looking for partners to sponsor its events.

The committee’s goal is to fundraise $25,000, she said, noting any surplus will be donated to support local veteran initiatives.

The committee has a fundraiser account with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. People wishing to donate or sponsor an event have been asked to contact Waligora directly at nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.