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I know…it’s still November!! But the schedule is now available for Boalsburg’s Hometown Christmas, just three weeks away. If you’re local and want to take a day to get in the mood for Christmas, these events would do it. Check it out!!
Fun time for the whole family!
I’m getting my stuff ready to head to the Boalsburg Fire Hall to set up for the indoor yard sale that will happen tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, October 6 & 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’d love to see you there!
Participating in a group yard sale is a little different from doing one on your own. Having a yard sale on your own is a lot of work…just sorting “stuff” throughout the house and taking over your garage can take days or weeks! Then trying to put a price on each item is tough when you can remember how much you paid for items in the first place. You really have to be strong and be ready to let go of your “stuff.”
A yard sale that is also a fundraiser for a group has a few additional activities. Once the items have been collected and priced, everything needs to be transported to a central location…in this case the Fire Hall!
Here’s my car packed with “stuff” …some is mine, most was donated by other family members and friends. Bags are filled with books, games and other “collectibles.”
In addition to the “stuff” to sell, I was tasked with baking cookies to sell. So a few days ago I baked 3 dozen oatmeal-raisin cookies and 4 dozen Snickerdoodles. They are bagged and ready to sell along with chili, soup and hot dogs provided by others.
I will spend the afternoon today at the Fire Hall to unload and set up “stuff.” One thing we learned from previous sales was how much we wished we had background music during the day. I remembered that and packed up my tiny BOSE speaker and will plug it in next to my phone.
My phone can select all the songs on all the albums I have downloaded and “shuffle” them. It should be an interesting mix of songs…from Alan Jackson to Elton John and Backstreet Boys to Enya. Hopefully, with the shuffle, no one artist will be too overwhelming. I’m not sure if the tiny speaker will fill the Fire Hall, but I’ll give it a try!
I really dislike doing a yard sale by myself…just too much work for a few bucks. Maybe when we’re ready to move, we’ll have a “moving sale” and I’ll be more motivated to get rid of “stuff.” Having this sale with the Ladies Auxiliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company is also a lot of work, but it does generate quite a bit of money for our group and always ends up being an enjoyable day with friends!
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company will hold their indoor flea market/yard sale this Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 6 & 7, 2023. Please plan to drop by rain or shine! With everything being held indoors at the Fire Hall you can browse in comfort. This event is held twice a year and is a major fundraiser for our group. We use the funds to keep the kitchen up-to-date and donate much of our profits to the Fire Company. The sale in the fall usually features various Halloween and Christmas items.
If you don’t live nearby, check out the activities of your local Fire Company. There may be similar activities in your area. Most Fire Companies are supported by local volunteers and various fundraisers help with their equipment needs.
This flea market/yard sale offers a table for a fee and local folks can display their own items for sale. The table fees support the work of the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary ladies fill up 3 or 4 tables with donated stuff and that money also supports our work.
I’ve shared pictures of past yard sales in two posts. You can see them here:
https://marykisner.com/flea-market/ and https://marykisner.com/exploring-an-indoor-yard-sale-or-flea-market/
If you’re nearby, we’d love to share this indoor yard sale with you! Sale is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 6 & 7. Rain or shine! Come support the Boalsburg Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary!
I’ve been watching with interest as Apple Hill Antiques relocated recently. It had been at the top of the hill on Gerald Street, just off Rt. 26 (E. College Ave.). You can see from this map that they didn’t move too far…the star on Rt. 26 is their new location. They are now in the building that was the former Tubbies Mattress Store. It does have a second floor, so the whole shopping experience felt like there was lots more to see.
Here is their new brochure:
Usually, I shop at antique stores for specific items…like I did in 2021 for vintage fabric (see https://marykisner.com/finding-vintage-fabric-at-apple-hill-antiques/). The way many places are organized it’s pretty easy to walk down an aisle and scan the shelves. If I was looking for Red Ruby glassware, it would be visible from the aisle.
This time, I wanted to give you an overview of the many kinds of things they had available. The smaller size of this new facility meant sellers had smaller booths and they were often tucked around corners or placed back to back. Walking through the aisles was a slower process…which meant I saw more cool stuff. It felt like sellers did a great job keeping their stuff less cluttered. I suspect items are rotated more frequently. I’m sure many of these sellers also have booths at other antique co-ops.
I tried to take pictures of most of the displays but as I wandered out the door, I realized I missed a few completely! I’ll just have to go again!!
For example, there wasn’t just one booth with lots of books. Almost every booth had a few books, often relating to the rest of the items…like a few cookbooks stacked near antique cookware displayed on a kitchen cupboard. Since I was thinking about picking up a few old books for my grandson it became a game to find all the books tucked into corners.
Even the offerings of vinyl records were scattered throughout the booths. A collector’s dream!
Here’s an example of what it means to have Fine Antiques and Collectibles in a Gallery Setting:
Even doll house miniatures are in a display doll house!
I didn’t expect to find this bear rug looking at me as I came in the door! (Made me think of all the times Bert went bear hunting and did not get a bear. So glad I didn’t have to figure out where to put a full-size bear rug. This one was backed to be hung on the wall!)
This stuffed baby bear was upstairs, holding the seller’s cards! Clever!
From glassware to antique tools and vintage linens to collectible figures, I saw many beautiful things.
Of course, can’t forget collectible coins!
Vintage wedding dress and baby seat:
Remember Paper Dolls?
How about guitars and an accordian:
And my favorite surprise…a cow cookie jar that made me smile!!
So many wonderful booths to explore. I found many familiar items from my mother’s kitchen and favorite books from my childhood. If only I had saved them! Oh well, come to the new location of Apple Hill Antiques and explore the past through lovely vintage collectibles! Enjoy!
Thanks to the work of the Boalsburg Village Conservancy and many local volunteers, Memorial Day Weekend in Boalsburg will once again be filled with good fun, delicious food and inspiring messages honoring our loved ones…past and present. See https://historicboalsburg.com for many details!
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 25, with the Boalsburg Fireman’s Carnival (6:00 to 10:00 p.m.) At 2:00 p.m. you can do a “drop-in tour” of the Boal Museum & Columbus Chapel. These tours will also be offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
On Friday, May 26, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The “drop-in tour” will also be available at 2:00 p.m., and the carnival will be open from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
On Saturday, May 27, The Pennsylvania Military Museum will be open from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. A WWII Living History Encampment will be open to the public.
The parade, sponsored by the Boalsburg Fire Company, will begin at 5:00 p.m. (with line up at 3:30). If you’d like to be in the parade, see https://boalsburgfire.com for information. After the parade, the carnival will continue until 10:00 p.m.
On Sunday, May 28, Zion Lutheran Church will hold Colonial Liturgy Services with patriotic hymns from 9:00 to 10:00 (with a second service from 11:00 to Noon). From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., a Civil War Ball will be held in the Boal Museum Ballroom. The carnival will be open from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, May 29, is A Day in Town. (see https://historicboalsburg.com for many more details)
The day begins with a BANG! The Memorial Day Run begins at 8:30 a.m. From that point forward the whole town is involved with over 120 vendors, entertainment at the Diamond and additional activities at the Boal Mansion Museum, the Boalsburg Heritage Museum and the Pennsylvania Military Museum (AACA Car Show!).
The Boal Mansion Museum
The Boalsburg Heritage Museum
And finally, the day always ends with the inspiring walk to the cemetery and brief service to honor all our loved ones (past and present) who lost their lives in service to our country.
We’d love to share our Memorial Day festivities with you! Please join us!
It’s that time again! The Ladies Auxiliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company will have their spring indoor flea market this weekend…Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2023. We open the doors to the Fire Hall around 9:00 a.m. and end around 2:00 (depends on how busy we are and how tired we are!).
We have another flea market in late September. These events are major fund raisers for our group and much of it is passed on the Fire Company. Usually there are about 30 tables offered for a fee so locals can display their own wares. The Auxiliary has two or three tables with our donated stuff and the money from those items go directly into the till. We also have food available, like sloppy joe, hot dogs, packaged chips and desserts.
I have written about previous flea markets, but usually after the fact. I’ve had people say they wish they had known ahead of time, so this year I’ll post a few pictures from past flea markets and encourage you to come check us out!
If you’d like to see LOTS of pictures, check out my previous postings, see: https://marykisner.com/exploring-an-indoor-yard-sale-or-flea-market/ and https://marykisner.com/flea-market/
Enjoy!
Boalsburg is gearing up with lots of activities for locals and visitors during Hometown Christmas 2022. Please join us!
Hometown Christmas in Boalsburg will be held on December 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on the Diamond. Santa will arrive shortly before 6:00 p.m. to light the holiday tree. The event, which is being organized by the Harris Township Lions Club and the Boalsburg Village Conservancy, will feature hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and live music.
Live Nativity: St. John’s UCC invites you to a live nativity with a reading of the Christmas story coinciding with the Boalsburg Hometown Christmas. Shows will be in front of the church (218 N. Church Street) at 4:30pm and 5:15pm.
The Boalsburg Heritage Museum will hold a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. Come enjoy the beautifully decorated museum, music, children’s crafts in the Barn, including “Holiday Caricatures by Molly.” Hot mulled cider and hot chocolate straight from the fireplace in the Summer Kitchen will be served. A Homemade Christmas cookie sale will be offered. Adam Swartz, Puppeteer, will be presenting a puppet show in the Lower Barn at 2:00, sponsored by a gift from Colonial Press. Many local businesses have donated wonderful raffle items in support of the Museum. Come and enjoy the day at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum with your friends and neighbors. The Museum is open for tours every Sunday afternoon between 2;00 and 4:00 and by appointment. boalsburgheritagemuseum@gmail.com or check the website at https://boalsburgheritagemuseum.org/
The Boal Mansion and Christopher Columbus Chapel has the following activities planned:
December 2 & 3—Candlelight Tours of the Mansion and Chapel at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. $15 per person.
December 2—Springhill Paranormal Tour Reveal at 7:00 p.m. in the Boal Barn Great Room. All are welcome.
December 3—Kristkindle Market. Come join in the fun and start your Christmas shopping with us in the Boal Barn Great Room from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Photo op with St. Nicholas from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. Teddy Bear story time on the stage in the theater at 11 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sleigh rides provided by Misty Lane Farms from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 4—Christmas Tea & Tour: Will be held in the Boal Mansion ballroom at 4:00 p.m. Seating is limited to 30 people so reserve your seats now. $65 per person. https://boalmuseum.com/
Duffy’s Boalsburg Tavern on the Diamond is having its traditional Colonial Christmas Dinner for the weekend of Boalsburg Hometown Christmas (Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4). We design our menu around the original settlers in the area: Scotch Irish, Scottish, Irish, German, Spanish and French (the last two honor the women of the Boal family).
A Basket Full on Main Street is having pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the porch on Sunday, December 11 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as well.
Each Spring and Fall the Ladies Auxilliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company hold a Flea Market (indoor yard sale) at the Fire Hall. There are usually 30 tables available for local folks to reserve a space to sell assorted items. I guess by having different people manning each table (the flea market model) means buyers give money to separate sellers…instead of the yard sale model where buyers can pick up a bunch of items and pay for all of them at the end.
This flea market is one of the major fund raisers for the auxilliary and this money goes to help the Fire Company purchase new equipment. The side benefit is sellers have an opportunity to get rid of stuff!
So, yesterday and today the Fall flea market was held at the Fire Hall.
We had a small crowd but that didn’t stop us from having a good time visiting with each other. If sellers made some money, who knows how many buyers were auxilliary members!
Last fall, I shared lots of pictures of the kinds of things you can find at this flea market. (See https://marykisner.com/exploring-an-indoor-yard-sale-or-flea-market/)
This year had similar items but different ones. Halloween and Christmas seemed to be the theme for some tables and I was able to pick up my Halloween costume very inexpensively!
Here are some other treasures for sale:
And finally…my Halloween Costume!
So that was how I spent my day. Now I’m set for Halloween and Christmas! A good time was had by all! Watch for information for our next flea market in the Spring.
Please comment or email me directly at marykisner@comcast.net.
The Boalsburg Village Conservancy is hoping you take advantage of the many things to see and do during the Memorial Day weekend celebration. While Main Street and Church Street will be filled with over 115 vendors and entertainment on the Diamond on May 30, three specific locations invite you to check them out.
For a general overview of the celebration and the specific musical entertainment, see https://marykisner.com/memorial-day-is-happening/ and https://marykisner.com/musical-entertainment-for-memorial day/.
The Boalsburg Heritage Museum (www.boalsburgheritagemuseum.org)
On the East end of Main Street, The Boalsburg Heritage Museum will offer a variety of activities to engage you and your family.
Follow the balloons to the Museum to tour the House, see antique carriages and wagons in the Barn, and sample a cookie baked on the Open-hearth Fireplace in the Summer Kitchen.
Listen to music all day long beginning at 10:00 with the Dan and Galla Musical Show. Enjoy delicious Bees Knees Coffee and food from The Cakeshop by Tati.
Chat with your friends and neighbors as you take a break and relax in our charming garden where you and your family can:
–play corn hole and other games,
–throw seed balls into the wetlands and have fun making art with nature,
–meet Mattee Stoichneff, a student at State College High School, who is the Centre County Grange Fair Queen, and
–meet Sandy Faller, who is a history major and the Museum intern. She is also a member of the Penn State Blue Band!
The Boal Mansion Museum (https://boalmuseum.com/)
On the West end of Boalsburg, The Boal Mansion’s estate grounds provide the perfect setting for our diverse activities as part of the Village-wide celebration. Enjoy live music, Civil War re-enactors, living history demos, great food, craft vendors and special museum tours!
The Boalsburg Fire Company (https://boalsburgfire.com/)
Carnival Information
The Boalsburg Fire Company sponsors the carnival held behind the fire hall. It will run from Thursday evening, May 26 through Monday, May 30, 2022.
Parade Information
The Parade will be Saturday, May 28, 2022. No preregistration is required. Line-up will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the Parade beginning at 5:00 p.m. “Rain or Shine.”
Marching groups will be staged at Blue Spring Park on Wagner St. Depending on weather prior to parade day, smaller vehicles participating in the parade may be staged at the park also. Large vehicles will be staged on W. Main Street. Personnel will be out to assist with further direction on parade day. Watch for the signs.
Please come and enjoy Memorial Day weekend with us!
Please comment or email me directly if you have questions at marykisner@comcast.net.
The Boalsburg Village Conservancy has finalized the musical entertainment for the Memorial Day celebration on May 30, 2022. Music has always provided the backdrop to the ongoing activities of the day. We hope you come and enjoy it while checking out the many vendors and their wares. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Boalsburg, see www.historicboalsburg.com.
The Boalsburg Heritage Museum (www.boalsburgheritagemuseum.org) at the East end of Main Street will be open for visitors. Background music will be available all day, including music on the Museum porch by Dan & Galla. They offer a mixed selection of upbeat folk music and popular standards of the ’50s and ’60s, country, ragtime, polkas, pop and patriotic music. You can learn more about their music at www.gallaanddan.com.
The Boal Mansion Museum (www.boalmuseum.com) will host light musical entertainment on the grounds throughout the day. Their events include:
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.-The Bellefonte Community Band
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.-JT Thompson & The Denicats
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.-OverheaD
On the Diamond at Main Street and Church Street, the line-up of musical groups is varied and entertaining.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.-You’ll be able to enjoy the State College High School Jazz Band. These young folks always have a rousing performance to get you in the mood to explore the many vendors on Main Street.
11:30 to 12:00-The A Cappella Choir from St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Boalsburg will showcase their lovely voices.
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.-The Little German Band will present lively entertainment in the German “oompah” style that features bass horn, trombone, clarinet and trumpet. This group has been performing around Centre County since the 1960’s. You can read more about them on Facebook.
12:30 p.m.-Dancing around the May Pole. (More about that as we get closer to the event!)
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.-Music by The Screaming Ducks. They have been a force for Classic Rock in Center County for over 30 years. They’re a regular addition to the Boalsburg Memorial Day festivities. You can learn more about them on Facebook.
2:30 to 3:00 p.m.-When you are ready to take a restful break, please pull up a chair (or curb) and enjoy a smooth and mellow half hour with Bob Timney. His offerings of acoustic, acoustic rock and pop music will give you that rest. He can be found on Facebook and you can listen to some of his music at www.reverbnation.com/bobtimney/songs.
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.-To end the afternoon of musical entertainment, the final group at the Diamond will be Pure Cane Sugar. This is a female-fronted Americana band based out of State College, PA. With descriptors such as “sultry voices, soulful harmonies and powerful lyrics,” this last group should leave you feeling like it’s been a good Memorial Day celebration!
Ceremony at the Church Cemetery
6:00 p.m.-As part of the solemn ceremony at the Cemetery, music will be offered by the Nittany Knights. They sing a cappella in the barbershop style of harmony. This international, non-profit organization, first chartered in 1962, performs at many community activities.
Please join us for Memorial Day in Boalsburg, 2022. To read about the whole five-day celebration, check out the overview at: https://marykisner.com/memorial-day-2022-is-happening/. Enjoy!
Please comment or email me directly at marykisner@comcast.net.