2012 Heritage Days marks 15th Anniversary

On behalf of the Philipsburg Heritage Days Committee, chairman Jim Pollock and the community of Philipsburg would like to welcome all to the 15th Anniversary of Philipsburg Heritage Days. The celebration theme is solely ”Celebrate Philipsburg,” and this year’s event will run July 10th through July 15th.

The Philipsburg Heritage Days Committee was formed in 1998, a year after the Bi-Centennial of the Borough of Philipsburg, to promote the historic aspects of the town and also to draw attention to the many opportunities the community offers to its residents and businesses and to promote economic development and tourism opportunities.

Since 1997, the Front Street area of town has gone through a transformation lead by the Borough of Philipsburg and the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation. Through their working together, a new sewer system was installed in the Borough, new sidewalks and decorative period lighting and seating was installed in the downtown area making a huge transformation.

During the past 15 years, the downtown has faced many changes. Businesses that had been an anchor in the community for many years, closed and some businesses were destroyed by fire. Through the guiding hand of the Borough officials and the Board and staff of the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation, the “never give up” attitude was put into place and many positive changes have taken place. As of today, the work is not completed. Many new businesses have opened, buildings have been remodeled and commitment to make the town revitalized continues.

The same commitment is very strong and alive in all of the Heritage Days Committee members. Through their many hours of volunteering, Heritage Days has continued to grow and has been recognized as the main summer event for attracting visitors to the community for both family and class reunions, weddings, church homecomings, block parties and just coming home in general.

The committee would like to thank the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Centre County Commissioners, Borough officials and the many companies and individuals who continue to provide the financial support for the celebration. Without their assistance, the event would not be possible.

With the many changes, the town still remains somewhat the same. As the song “Deep in the Heart of the Alleghenies” states, the pioneers and settlers on their way picked Philipsburg to settle down and build a friendly town that is rich in tradition and pleasant memories. All are welcome to enjoy Heritage Days.

Here’s a look at this year’s schedule of events.

Tuesday, July 10

Vesper Services & Awards Ceremony

The Vesper Services opening Philipsburg Heritage Days 2012 will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 7:00 PM. Music will be provided by the Valley Voices.

The Vesper Services are sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and Philipsburg Ministerium.

Immediately following the Vesper Services, the Philipsburg Heritage Days Community Awards will be presented.

Community Awards are sponsored by Clearfield Hospital.

Wednesday, July 11

11:30 AM and 3:00 PM – Storyteller Jan Kinney, sponsored by the Cen-Clear Child Services Inc., at the Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage (Front Street).

10:00 AM to 8:00 PM – Children’s Activities sponsored by Cen-Clear Child Services, Inc., and community agencies.

2:00 PM - ZUMBA demonstration by YMCA of Centre County, Moshannon Valley Banch.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM - Mike Williamson, Solo Artist, American Idol contestant (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

5:30 PM - “Fiddler on the Roof” song presentation by Student Youth Theatre of YMCA of Centre County, Moshannon Valley Banch.

6:30 PM – Karaoke Contest 1st round (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Dance Recital by Shaw and Ghaner (Front & Pine Streets).

7:00 PM – Watermelon Eating Contest sponsored by Highway Pizza. Registration at 7:00 PM , contest at 7:30 PM (Front & Pine Streets).

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM - Moore Brothers Band (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

Thursday, July 12

10:00 AM to 8:00 PM – Children’s Activities sponsored by Cen-Clear Child Services and community agencies.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Time Capsule Acoustic Duo (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Zach & Cody Acoustic Duo (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

5:30 PM – 6:15 PM – D.J. Studios Demonstration (Front & Pine Streets).

6:30 PM – Restless Renegades (in front of Philipsburg Towers).

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – The Jam (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

7:00 PM – Valley Voices concert at the Trinity United Methodist Church.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Kid’s A.R.T. Workshop sponsored by PNC Bank, at the Philipsburg Library (please use main entrance of the library).

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM – The Lucky 13′s (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

Friday, July 13

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Flower Show – Hosted by the VFW

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Children’s Activities sponsored by Cen-Clear Child Services, Inc. and community agencies.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Taylor, Mikayla and Dani Acoustic Trio (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Paul Shimmell Acoustic Review (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

6:00 PM – Jazzercise (Front & Pine Streets)

6:45 PM – Karaoke Contest 1st round (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Ricky Lee (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

Saturday, July 14

5K Race for Education:

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM – Registration
8:00 AM – 5K Walk begins
9:00 AM – 5K Run begins

Awards will be presented between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.

2:00 PM - Grand Parade. Fire company equipment judging will take place at the P-O High School from 10 AM to Noon.

4:00 PM – Karaoke Contest finals. Note: the contest will start shortly after the parade (Edward Navasky Memorial Sound Stage).

10:00 PM – Fireworks. The band Mocking Birds will be performing at the Cold Stream Pavilion leading up to the start of fireworks. Fireworks sponsored by Philipsburg Borough.