In 1864 three ladies from the village of Boalsburg walked to the village cemetery to decorate the graves of loved ones who had died in the on going Civil War.  This simple act of remembering, which then became a local tradition, ultimately became the national holiday of Memorial Day.  This year Boalsburg will continue the tradition it started 146 years ago when it celebrates A Day in Towne Memorial Day Festival on Monday, May 31, 2010.  This year’s celebration will include music, food, crafts, and exhibits in Boalsburg village and at the Boal Mansion Museum.  Boalsburg’s history will also be celebrated with tours of the Boal Mansion Museum and the Boalsburg Heritage Museum. 

The Maypole Dance led by the Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop will take place at 12:30 pm on the Diamond.  There will also be a North-South Civil War skirmish twice during the day at the Boal Mansion Museum.

The highlight of A Day in Towne will be the traditional 6:00pm Service.  This service is an expression of the community’s gratitude to all those who have contributed to the defense of our country and those who have served the community of Boalsburg and Harris Township. The service gets underway at 5:45 pm with the walk from the Diamond to the cemetery.  The Service starts at 6:00 pm. Colonel Clifford S. Thomas, USAF retired, a resident of Boalsburg and a diplomatic courier for the US Department of State, will be this year’s Master of Ceremonies.  Following the Colonel's address, the soldiers’ graves will be decorated. 

Memorial Day on Church and Main Streets

Memorial Day activities will provide just about anything event-goers can imagine. From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm there will be craft sales and demonstrations along Church and Main Streets, with 80 dealers on Main and 25 more on Church Street participating. Demonstrations include chair caning, whittling, wood-working and jewelry making. Village shops and restaurants in the Diamond area will be open during their normal hours, as will the restaurants on nearby Boal Avenue.  

Harris Township’s service organizations will hold food sales featuring special food items and baked goods. Contact Margie Tennis at 466-6311 for more information.

Schedule of Events 

ON THE DIAMOND – MAIN & CHURCH STREETS

 8:30 am                                  Blue Spring Park:  Start – “Run for Fun”

 8:00 am – 11:00 am               Pies accepted for 28th Annual Fruit Pie Contest

 9:00 am – 5:00 pm                 Village Shops Open

                                                 Sidewalk Sales: Crafts, Foods, Beverages

10:15 am – 11:15 am              State College High School Jazz Band

The State College Area High School Jazz Band is among the finest in the United States.  The band has toured Europe five times and has performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, at Disneyland Paris, at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, at Jazz a Vienne and Jazz a Juan in France, and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.  They have been finalists four times for the prestigious Essentially Ellington Competition sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center and were finalists this year for the Swing Central Jazz Festival held in Savannah, Georgia. For more information go to www.scasd.org/music.

11:45 am – 12:45 pm              Little German Band (Maypole Dance) -- featuring the Maypole Dance by the Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop

This year the Little German Band is celebrating its 49th year of “Oompah Music.”   Since the band has played for 40 plus Memorial Days in Boalsburg, we look at this event as a highlight of the year and the beginning of several months of outdoor concerts throughout Central Pennsylvania.   Watching the young people participate in the May Pole exercise is a great experience for those watching as well as those dancing.  Come and join in the fun.  For more information, visit www.thelittlegermanband.com.

  1:15 pm – 2:15 pm                The Deacons of Dixieland

The Deacons of Dixieland is an 8-piece traditional jazz band based in central Pennsylvania. They have been providing entertainment since 1988, playing various musical styles including Blues and Country, but specializing - of course - in lively Dixieland Jazz. For more information see their website at www.deaconsofdixieland.org.

  2:30 pm – 3:30 pm                Second Winds Jazz Band

The Second Winds Jazz Band is a 7-piece combo of experienced musicians on their "second wind." The Band - which also includes two vocalists - has great fun playing swing/jazz songs of the 30s, 40s & 50s - the timeless tunes of their youth. The Band also features polkas and novelty tunes.  Come, listen, and ENJOY!!!  (Contact Ted Fuller @ tef4@psu.edu or 814-238-9638)

  4:00 pm – 5:00 pm                Heritage Brass

The Heritage Brass Ensemble has played serious or fun tunes from the 30's - 40's ' 50's big band era to delight and entertain people from all ages - from church services, complete weddings, legit concerts, dances to "you name it" and the sextet has the music to fit the occasion. Information and booking, call Jim Ressler - 717-250-4393

  5:45 pm                                 146th Walk to Boalsburg Cemetery from The Diamond

  6:00 pm                                 146th Cemetery Service

                                                  (Will be held inside St. John’s UCC in case of inclement weather)

BOALSBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM - 304 East Main Street      

10:00 am – 4:00 pm               Exhibit: Ukrainian Easter Eggs by Mrs. Judy Hackman

10:00 am – 4:00 pm               Exhibit featuring the rearranged version of the Tennis Country Store.

                                                On the top floor there is the display of antique carriages, tractors and implements used on the farm in bygone days.

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm               Bob Nickerson the Jock-ular Juggler

A comedy juggling act in which Bob discusses his absurd & mythical athletic career at the University of Guam while juggling, balancing and dribbling all kinds of sporting equipment.  He includes comical dissertation on subjects such as gravity, geometry and English grammar.  For more info, contact Bob Nickerson at 814-886-4712

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm                  Dan & Galla

 The Dan & Galla Musical Show features "feel-good music" of many styles. Dan plays keyboard, accordion and trumpet and Galla plays guitar, flute, uke and balalaika. They are interactive and fun for all ages. For more information visit their website www.gallaanddan.com.

HARRIS TOWNSHIP OFFICES, Rear – 224 East Main Street

10:00 am – 4:00 pm Or until gone                Ham & Bean and Vegetable Soups, Homemade Bread Sale

10:00 am – 4:00 pm                Blacksmith Shop open; demonstrations by a trained blacksmith

BOALSBURG CEMETERY – Route 322 & Church Street

9:00 am – 5:00 pm                  Battery B, 3rd PA Volunteers (Civil War Group) and Battery B Ladies Encampment

6:00 pm                                  146th Service at Cemetery. Col. Clifford Thomas, speaker

BOAL MANSION GROUNDS –300 Old Boalsburg Road

9:00 – 5:00

• Historical re-enactments on site:
  • Hampton’s Legion Artillery, Capt. Stephen Harter,  CSAltart@csrlink.net
  • 148th PA Volunteer Infantry, Co. C., Capt. David Felice,  contact: pa148dave@juno.com, dfelice@centreregioncode.org
  • Dan Lucas, 18th century surgeon, doctor and apothecary, revwarman1776@aol.com
  • Traditional acoustic folk music at the Civil War camps by Tussey Folk Jam, 1 to 5 pm, contact Catherine Grigor, cqg3@psu.edu 
• Guided tours of the internationally-recognized Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum. Details: http://boalmuseum.com
• Dominion Science Center: Interactive art and science display for kids of all ages: http://dominionsciencecenter.org
• Hand-made craft demonstrations and sales
• Food, drink and dessert booths: Brumbaugh’s Delites, Cogan’s Concessions and more.

9:00 am           Cannonade by Hampton’s Legion Artillery

9:30 am Coburn Brass: 19th century brass band music
This 19th century brass band presents the familiar music of the Civil War era when music was live. Some familiar numbers are SHENANDOAH, JENNY LIND POLKA, LISTEN TO THE MOCKING BIRD, AURA LEE, DIXIE'S LAND, HOME SWEET HOME, etc. Formed in 1996, the group has performed in Gettysburg, Danville, Centre Hall, and McClure. Coburn Brass can be reached at eeh1@psu.edu.

10:30 Civil War battle between Hampton’s Legion Artillery (Confederate) and Company C of the 148th PA Volunteer Infantry (Union). On the pond field

11:00 Bruce Young, guitar and fiddle, traditional American music
Bruce Young started performing music as a child but began playing fiddle in small bands and for square dancing in 1973 ( www.myspace.com/smashthewindows ). His engaging solo performances on voice, fiddle, guitar, dulcimer and banjo feature different fiddle styles, a' capella ballads and sea chanteys as well as humorous songs and rural southern blues. Bruce has presented lively programs to historical societies, schools and public libraries across PA on numerous occasions for The PA Humanities Council and The PA Council for the Arts’ Artists in Education program since 1996. bryfiddle@aol.com

12:00 pm Christopher Kent, singer/songwriter/storyteller
Christopher Kent is a singer-songwriter who spent 20 years in New York City writing, playing the clubs, recording and teaching songwriting; he now lives in Centre County. His third album of original music, packaged with his forthcoming self-help book "Getting Your Life Back," will be released later this year. Stylistically, his upbeat music follows in the steps of the artists who inspired him, including Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel. chris@christopherkent.com

1:00 PM: Boal Awards Ceremony, on the porch of the Boal Mansion:

1. The Ambassador Pierre Boal Award for Historic Preservation to Brett Boal
2. The Colonel Theodore Davis Boal Award for Community Service to City Serve, Rev. Dan Nold
3. The Judge George Boal Award for Education to Janice Sherer

1:30: Civil War battle between Hampton’s Legion Artillery (Confederate) and Company C of the 148th PA Volunteer Infantry (Union). On the pond field

2:00: Tussey Mountain Moonshiners, bluegrass, Gwen moonshiners3@comcast.net
Fronted by talented multi-instrumentalist Stephen Buckalew, the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners are a quartet that plays traditional bluegrass, old-time, and folk music as well as original tunes. Winners of The Acoustic Brew's 2009 local showcase competition, they've played at the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival and they played as a showcase band at Delfest in Cumberland, MD. With tight harmonies and fine picking, they've become a favorite at Central PA events. To hear music samples and see listings of upcoming shows, click www.myspace.com/tusseymountainmoonshiners.

3:00 KCM: brass funk band
K.C.M. is a funk/rock band based out of the State College Area High School. We have been playing together for under a year and want to play as much as possible. We have a wide range of influences ranging from old school funk to progressive rock to blues and latin rock. You can find us on facebook. Our next performance will be the State High Battle of the Bands on June 4th. Contact Marshall Biever at raynetheband@gmail.com

4:00 Gina Ricci
Rock vocalist Gina Ricci was brought up in State College and had her own band in Seattle. She has recorded with Don Henley of the Eagles, among other Los Angeles recording stars. She will be accompanied by American Federation of Musicians Local 660 President Chris Lee on piano.

4:10: The Element, rock band
The Element is an alternative rock band based out of State College Area High School and has been playing together for over two years. Our influences range from hard rock to acoustic instrumental music. For info on upcoming gigs you can check us out on Facebook. Contact Marshall Biever at raynetheband@gmail.com

5:00: Final Cannonade by Hampton’s Legion Artillery

BOAL BARN PLAYHOUSE 197 Boal Estate Drive (at the Boal Mansion)

10:30AM and 2:00PM Class Act Productions Presents: "We Will Remember: A Tribute to Veterans" by Sandra Fenichel Asher

$5 Adult, $3 Children under 13, Veterans free admission

Tickets may be purchased at the door, starting one hour prior to each performance.This touching drama artistically follows a group a students as they seek to understand and remember the experiences of American veterans.  History is brought to life on stage as they explore Civil War letters, a journal kept during the Normandy invasion, visit veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars, interview a grandmother whose young husband served in WWII, and gain an understanding of what it means to have sacrificed for freedom.  Young and old alike will be captivated by this simple tribute to those who have served our nation; a tribute which will inspire others to keep the legacy of veterans alive.

PENNSYLVANIA MILITARY MUSEUM – Route 322 & Boalsburg Pike

9:00 am – 4:00 pm                Allegheny Region Antique Automobile Club of America:

                                             Pre-war and classic antique cars on the Shrine parade grounds

9:00 am – 5:00 pm               Military Museum Open for Tours (fee)

What you need to know before you go:

The Boalsburg Fire Company Carnival is May 27, 28, 29 & 31 (closed Sunday). The parade is on Saturday at 5pm.

STREET CLOSINGS: Closed Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday (May 27-29, May 31): East Pine Street, from Church Street to Academy Street, is closed for the Boalsburg Fire Company Carnival, starting at 5:30 pm each day of the Carnival and opening when it closes. Parking is PROHIBITED on both sides of Old Boalsburg Rd. during the Boalsburg Fire Co. Carnival.

Monday, Memorial Day - May 31: The following streets are closed from 6:30 am. – 5:00 pm. Rockey Alley, Loop Road, from Chambers Alley to East Main Street, Main Street, beginning east from Bus. Rt. 322 to Tennis Alley, Academy Street, from Chambers Alley across E. Main to Pine Street, Church Street, from Chambers Alley to Bus. Rt.322, Pine Street, from Bus. Rt. 322 to Tennis Alley and Old Boalsburg Road, between N. Church St. to  the Boal Mansion.  From 5:30 pm until the end of service, Church St. between Old Boalsburg Rd. and Rt. 322 also will be closed.

PARKING and SHUTTLE BUS INFORMATION: Free Parking is available at a number of locations served by the Shuttle Bus, including the Medical Center, Heritage Run Office Building, and across from the Car Wash on Business Rt. 322 East. There is a charge for parking on the Military Museum grounds and on the Boal Estate Grounds.

The Shuttle Bus will run at approximately 20-minute intervals, stopping near each parking lot to pick up passengers. Shuttles will make three stops on Bus. Rt. 322 to discharge passengers:  Boal Mansion, North Church Street at the traffic light, and East Main St. There is no charge to ride the Shuttle Bus. 

Please Remember: No vehicles will be allowed in most of the Village.

A Handicap Parking Only Site is available in the front of the Tennis Lamp Shop, which is across from the Kwik Fill gas station. Please make sure your placard is displayed.

THE INFORMATION BOOTH is located on the Diamond. Maps and lists of activities are available at the Information Booth, as well as at locations throughout the Village area.

RESTROOM and HANDICAP RESTROOM FACILITIES are available at various locations in town, including Zion Lutheran Church.

For additional information, please visit the official event page at http://boalmuseum.com/memorialday.village.htm