On July 4, 2026, communities across the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Special events, activities, and celebrations will be held locally and nationally. For the latest news and information on special events in Johnstown & Cambria County, visit this webpage and check back regularly! For more information about America250PA in Cambria County, contact Nicole at nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com
America250PA Cambria County would like to thank the following sponsors:
Red, White, and Blue Sponsor:
To become a sponsor of Cambria County’s America250 efforts, click the “donate” button or contact Nicki at NicoleW@visitjohnstownpa.com.
America250PA Initiatives
Cambria County America250PA Parades
Cambria County’s America250PA celebrations featured two patriotic parades that brought communities together to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The festivities began on July 3rd in downtown Johnstown, where a parade traveled up Main Street to Sargent’s Stadium at The Point as part of the county’s kickoff celebration for America’s semiquincentennial. The celebration continued on July 4th in Ebensburg with a patriotic parade through the county seat, followed by a community ceremony at the Cambria County Courthouse. Together, the two parades showcased local pride, history, and community spirit as residents across Cambria County joined in commemorating 250 years of American independence.
Cambria County America250PA Torch
Cambria County’s America250PA torch was designed and manufactured by local artist J. Andrew Jacobs. Throughout the 2026 school year, the torch was hosted by participating school districts. The torch will be traveling around Cambria County until the July 4 ceremony in Ebensburg, PA. To find out how you can view the torch, contact Nicki Waligora at nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com.
Artist Statement: “I was commissioned to design a functional torch for Cambria County’s America250 celebration. My big concern was making a sturdy, functional torch that could be safely transported around the county. When I heard it was going to be showcased, I designed it as a multi-faceted diorama. Much like an elaborate (if not to-scale) train-set landscape. I initially focused on the city of Johnstown (including the flood), but stepped back and tried to incorporate other architectural and historical features of the county. Our coal heritage, steel mills, and prominent buildings from our county seat. As large as the torch may seem, it wasn’t large enough. There were many more pieces I sadly wasn’t able to include.”
Congratulations to the Cambria County America250 Essay Contest Winners!
High School Division:
1st Place – Sheraghana Hall, Richland School District
2nd Place – Fiona Shi, Portage Area School District
3rd Place – Gracie Parrando, Ferndale Area School District & Kelly Mullen. Westmont Hilltop School District
Middle School Division:
1st Place – Kaylee Paronish, Richland School District
2nd Place – Makenzie Giuffre, Conemaugh Valley School District
3rd Place – Catherine Messina, Westmont Hilltop School District
“Liberty Bell Project”
Thank you to America250PA and the Bells Across PA initiative for making this possible. All Pennsylvania counties will receive a commemorative bell to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Cambria County is proud to display ours at the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg, PA. Designed and painted by local artist and teacher Carol Cecere, the bell honors Cambria County’s rich history while highlighting the natural beauty of our region!
Liberty Bell Reveal Ceremony
“Liberty Tree Project”
During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty would convene under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston. The Tree became a symbol of hope and American freedom. Although the British destroyed Boston’s Liberty Tree, patriots from the 13 colonies began to grow and designate new Liberty Trees. The last known original Liberty Tree was located on the campus of Saint John’s University in Maryland until it was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Seeds from this original tree have been gathered and will be planted across the Commonwealth.
The Cambria County Liberty Tree was planted at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, a location with great historical significance, as several Revolutionary War veterans are interred there.
The Pennsylvania Freemasons partnered with America250PA to sponsor planting Liberty Trees in all sixty-seven Pennsylvania counties. The tree, planted at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, is a descendant of the last remaining Liberty Tree that stood in Annapolis, Maryland.
Nicki Waligora, Cambria County’s appointed representative to the America250PA Advisory Committee, said, “America250PA requested that all Liberty Trees be planted on land significant to the Revolutionary War. Because there are veterans of the Revolutionary War buried at Sandyvale, the location met the criteria for the tree planting. Sandyvale is the perfect location for Cambria County’s Liberty Tree,” she added.
Liberty Tree Planting Ceremony
Photos provided by Bryan Smith
250 Miles for America’s 250th!
Get outside and make 2026 your year on the trail with Cambria County’s 250 Miles for America’s 250 Challenge. From March 1 through December 31, explore local trails on foot or by bike and log your miles as you work toward the 250-mile goal. Every mile must be completed on Cambria County trails, including the full Ghost Town Trail system, and finishers earn a commemorative water bottle and sticker, plus a chance to win a grand-prize drawing. It’s a fun, flexible way to discover new paths, revisit favorite routes, and celebrate America’s 250th right here at home!
“America250PA Road to 2026”
America250PA is urging Pennsylvanians to walk, run, bike, or wheel their way to July 4, 2026. Participants can race at their own pace and submit their times to track their progress. The Road to 2026 is a 4-part cumulative challenge broken down into 250-mile or 2,500-mile increments per challenge to reach the following milestones:
- 1st milestone – 250-mile walk, run or wheel / 2,500-mile bike
- 2nd milestone – 500-mile walk, run or wheel / 5,000-mile bike
- 3rd milestone – 750-mile walk, run or wheel / 7,500-mile bike
- 4th milestone – 1,000-mile walk, run or wheel / 10,000-mile bike
Those who sign-up, track their progress and meet the milestones will receive a commemorative 2026 medal and will be eligible for additional prizes.
Ready to register? Go to: runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittston/America250PA
Need some inspiration? Start your race in Cambria County! Go to: visitjohnstownpa.com/play/outdoor-adventures
Upcoming Events
Cambria Quiz: A Celebration of Local History
Cambria Quiz is a televised quiz show produced locally and dedicated to honoring the vibrant history of Cambria County. This engaging program will air throughout 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
Air Times: There will be three separate episodes of Cambria Quiz, and all three episodes will air on ABC 23 on May 18, 19, and 20 at 5 PM. The shows will also be re-aired around July 4th and Labor Day (Dates TBA).
CCLSYS America 250
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with CCLSYS America 250, a yearlong series of engaging programs exploring the people, ideas, and everyday life of the American Revolution. Highlights include a Women’s History Month watch party featuring Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, hands-on genealogy workshops with the Daughters of the American Revolution resources, colonial gardening and food experiences, and monthly “History Heroes” take-and-make activities for all ages. From wax art and family trees to colonial printing, toys, and quill writing, these events offer interactive ways to connect with the nation’s founding and those who lived it.