Boalsburg celebrates Memorial Day with annual ‘A Day in Town’

BOALSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — The birthplace of Memorial Day had hundreds of people filling the streets of downtown to celebrate and remember fallen veterans.

Throughout the day in Boalsburg, several events took place as many food and craft vendors filled the streets. There was also live music as well as a blacksmith program. Many were having fun but also knew the true meaning behind Memorial Day.

“It means remembering those who served, those who served and never came back and those who are still serving today,” Larry Edwards, Treasurer for the Harris Township Lions Club said.

“It’s a time to remember those who have sacrificed everything for our freedoms and our democracy today,” Sue Kellerman a Member of the Daughters American Revolution Bellefonte Chapter said.

The event has been going strong for 160 years. Organizers said it’s a tough job to keep traditions going, but an annual event the entire town looks forward to.

“The whole town just lights up, this whole week you could just feel the electricity in the air and that Memorial Day is here,” Co-Chair of Memorial Day Festivities Annette Yorks said.

One group in attendance is the Battery B, Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, who honor every fallen veteran as well as the many Civil War veterans buried in Boalsburg.

“I love the history, especially the Civil War history, It’s just we’ve always been a part of the Memorial Day involvement,” Quartermaster Sergeant Bob Barry said.

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The event serves as an economic boost to Boalsburg as well as a celebration.

It means so much to this community and to the businesses and to the vendors,” Yorks said. “Once we get everybody kind of situated you do see the kids laughing and people are walking their dogs and people who haven’t seen each other for a while come together and they’re talking. It’s wholesome. It just it brings back a lot of memories from your childhood and it’s just wonderful.”

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