Mayor's Newsletter - August 2025
International Overdose Awareness Month
August is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Month, with August 31st designated as the specific day of observance. The theme for 2025 is "One Big Family, Driven By Hope. " This day aims to remember those lost to drug overdose and acknowledge the unseen people affected by addiction, such as family members and friends.
- Local Event: The 7th Annual Blair County International Overdose Awareness Day event will be held on Saturday, August 30th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Trans4mation Church.
- Contact: For information, email bcoverdoseawareness@gmail. com or message Blair County International Overdose Awareness Day on Facebook.
- Statistics: The CDC reports that while prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic, the rate of overdose deaths is at its lowest since 2019. In 2024, drug overdose deaths decreased by almost 27% compared to 2023.
National Farmers Market Week
August 3rd through August 9th is National Farmers Market Week. The Altoona Farmers Market, held in Heritage Plaza, operates every Thursday in August from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Products: Fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, baked goods, honey, flowers, breads, soaps, sauces, jams, and jellies.
- Blair Markets: An online farmers market for weekly orders is available. Pickup locations include The Brew in Tyrone, Cosmic Charlie’s in Bellwood, Everything Natural in Altoona, The Juice Shack in Duncansville, and Blue Barn Farm in Williamsburg. Orders can be placed at www. blairmarkets. localfoodmarketplace. com.
Baker Mansion August Concert Series
The Blair County Historical Society is hosting "Sunday On The Lawn" concerts at Baker Mansion throughout the summer. All concerts start at 2:00 PM.
- August 3rd: Acoustic Express Concert
- August 10th: Altoona Brass Collective
- August 24th: 46th PA Regiment Band
Baker Mansion is open for public tours Fridays through Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. More information is available at www. facebook. com/blairhistory.
ArtsAltoona Presents Alter Eagles
On Saturday, August 3rd, ArtsAltoona will host Alter Eagles; America’s Definitive Tribute to The Legendary Eagles at the Blair County Convention Center.
- Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM; show begins at 6:00 PM.
- Tickets: $35 for general admission (first-come, first-serve floor seating) or $50 for VIP seating (reserved spot at a 6-person round table in the first two rows).
- Proceeds: Support ArtsAltoona programs, including the After School Program for kids and creative opportunities for individuals in recovery.
- Info: Visit www. artsaltoona.
Fort Roberdeau Revolutionary War Days
Historic Fort Roberdeau will host an encampment and reenactment on Saturday and Sunday, August 9th and 10th. The grounds open at 10:00 AM both days.
- Activities: Visitors can immerse themselves in 18th-century camp life, watch a daily battle held each afternoon, and see reenactors portraying patriots and loyalists.
- Admission: Free admission and parking; donations are welcome.
- Info: Visit https://fortroberdeau. org/events/ for more details.
Mountain Lion Backpack Program
The Mountain Lion Backpack Program helps children from food-insecure homes in Blair County by providing breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for the weekends.
- Impact: Last year, the program served over 1,100 children at a cost of approximately $6. 00 per child per week.
- Contact: Call 814-946-3651 or visit www. mountainlionbackpackprogram. org.
August Observances
The newsletter lists several national days in August to beat the heat or honor service members:
- August 1: National Water Balloon Day
- August 2: National Play Outside Day
- August 3: National Watermelon Day
- August 4: National Coast Guard Day / National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
- August 6: National Rootbeer Float Day
- August 7: National Purple Heart Day
- August 8: National Frozen Custard Day
- August 10: National S’mores Day
- August 11: National Play in the Sand Day
- August 14: National Creamsicle Day
- August 15: National Relaxation Day
- August 18: National Ice Cream Pie Day
- August 19: National Soft Ice Cream Day
- August 21: National Spumoni Day
- August 25: National Banana Split Day
- August 26: National Cherry Popsicle Day
- August 30: National Beach Day