2026
Online Community Profile & Membership Directory
Welcome to the Juniata River Valley Online Community Profile! We hope you enjoy learning more about our wonderful community. If there is any other information that you need, please visit our website JRVChamber.com or give us a call at 717-248-6713.
Welcome to the
Juniata River Valley
On behalf of its more than 550 members, the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to the heart of central Pennsylvania. Spanning Mifflin and Juniata counties, this region unfolds across soaring Appalachian ridges, broad fertile valleys, and the steady course of the Juniata River, a 150-mile waterway that threads through farmlands and small towns alike. With a combined population of around 69,000, the Juniata River Valley embodies rural Pennsylvania’s quiet strength – rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and close communities that value hard work and mutual support.
The landscape here is quintessentially rural: rolling fields of corn and hay, family-run dairy farms, and compact boroughs like Lewistown and Mifflintown. The Juniata River and its tributaries anchor it all, offering 92 miles of navigable water ideal for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and smallmouth bass fishing. History layers in at every turn – from Pennsylvania’s longest covered bridge, the 278-foot-long Academia-Pomeroy in Juniata County, to elegant 19th-
century stone farmhouses and the preserved downtowns of McVeytown and Port Royal. These remnants of the area’s milling and rail heritage draw quiet appreciation from locals and passersby.
Our business community drives steady progress. In Burnham, Standard Steel stands as North America’s sole producer of forged steel wheels for railcars and locomotives, tracing its roots to 1795 as one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating steel operations. Mifflintown hosts Empire Kosher Poultry, the country’s largest processor of kosher chicken and turkey, raising birds on nearby family farms. First Quality Enterprises powers innovation from its expansive Lewistown plant, a key site in its global network of facilities producing personal care and hygiene products. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone, employing over 6,000 across both counties, alongside health care and retail sectors that sustain local jobs. Niche leaders like DuMor, Philips Ultrasound, Trinity Plastics and Overhead Door continue
Welcome to the
Juniata River Valley
On behalf of its more than 550 members, the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to the heart of central Pennsylvania. Spanning Mifflin and Juniata counties, this region unfolds across soaring Appalachian ridges, broad fertile valleys, and the steady course of the Juniata River, a 150-mile waterway that threads through farmlands and small towns alike. With a combined population of around 69,000, the Juniata River Valley embodies rural Pennsylvania’s quiet strength – rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and close communities that value hard work and mutual support.
The landscape here is quintessentially rural: rolling fields of corn and hay, family-run dairy farms, and compact boroughs like Lewistown and Mifflintown. The Juniata River and its tributaries anchor it all, offering 92 miles of navigable water ideal for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and smallmouth bass fishing. History layers in at every turn – from Pennsylvania’s longest covered bridge, the 278-foot-long Academia-Pomeroy in Juniata County, to elegant 19th-
century stone farmhouses and the preserved downtowns of McVeytown and Port Royal. These remnants of the area’s milling and rail heritage draw quiet appreciation from locals and passersby.
Our business community drives steady progress. In Burnham, Standard Steel stands as North America’s sole producer of forged steel wheels for railcars and locomotives, tracing its roots to 1795 as one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating steel operations. Mifflintown hosts Empire Kosher Poultry, the country’s largest processor of kosher chicken and turkey, raising birds on nearby family farms. First Quality Enterprises powers innovation from its expansive Lewistown plant, a key site in its global network of facilities producing personal care and hygiene products. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone, employing over 6,000 across both counties, alongside health care and retail sectors that sustain local jobs. Niche leaders like DuMor, Philips Ultrasound, Trinity Plastics and Overhead Door continue
to innovate, contributing to an economy marked by low unemployment and targeted growth.
Residents and visitors alike thrive in these safe, interconnected communities, where low crime rates and neighborly ties foster a sense of belonging. The natural setting enhances everyday life: hike or drive to Jack’s Mountain Overlook for sweeping views of Big and Ferguson Valleys, or join the weekly rhythm at Belleville’s livestock auction, one of Pennsylvania’s largest, buzzing with farmers and fresh produce. The river invites family outings – picnics along shaded banks or gentle floats under summer skies – while dirt-track racing at Port Royal Speedway adds weekend adrenaline.
The Juniata River Valley is home to the Pennsylvania’s second largest, and one of America’s oldest Amish communities, Big Valley – but Amish are found throughout both Mifflin and Juniata counties, where over 6,800 Amish live today. Explore backroads to find roadside stands and businesses offering everything from quilts, and baked goods, to handcrafted furniture. The area also attracts people to thrift and shop at our quality antique shops. The area offers a surprising number of dining options, wine tasting rooms and distilleries.
Whether you’re vacationing in the country, launching a venture, or just passing through, the Juniata River Valley rewards with unhurried pace and genuine warmth. The Chamber and Visitors Bureau stand ready to assist – drop by our offices in the historic Mifflin County Courthouse at One West Market Street in Lewistown, or call 717-248-6713, if we may be of assistance.
Community
Events
The Juniata River Valley buzzes year-round with feel-good happenings that bring folks together. Dive into seasonal fun – from lively carnivals and harvest festivals to outdoor concerts, family movie nights under the stars, and heart-pounding races at local speedways from March through October.
When warmer days arrive, swing by Sale Day every Wednesday in Belleville for bustling flea markets, fresh roadside stands, and fast-paced auctions.
Summer sparkles with dazzling fireworks and classic carnival rides, while autumn’s HarvestFest in Reedsville (October 2-3, 2026) celebrates the season with crafts, live music, and farm-fresh treats.
As snowflakes fall, Kish Park’s Shining Light Through the Darkness display (starting December 5, 2026) glows with thousands of twinkling lights, scripture scenes, and free family activities through early January.
For the full scoop on 2026 events and more, head to jrvvisitors.com – your ticket to unforgettable valley memories!
Goose
Day
Goose Day’s quirky charm traces back to 1786, when a local German farmer learned from an Englishman the ancient Michaelmas legend: devour goose on September 29 for a year of luck and abundance. Back then, plump fall geese settled debts, rents, and leases – prime timing for prosperity. Today, that tradition endures, promising fortune with every savory bite.
Join the fun in the Juniata River Valley built around the September 29 event! Dive into live music, lively games, and contests – like the Stars and Stripes Cornhole Tournament – plus a dazzling drone light show, 5K race, and more. At area eateries, indulge in goose-inspired feasts, craft cocktails, and whimsical desserts. Pick up themed souvenirs from local shops, and hunt for the hidden flock of wild goose statues scattered across the Juniata River Valley – your map to the area’s hidden gems. Come for the goose, stay for luck!
Festival of
Ice
Ignite the holiday spark at the 29th Annual Festival of Ice, returning to downtown Lewistown on Thursday and Friday, December 3-4, 2026 – the week after Thanksgiving. This beloved kickoff to the season promises whimsy and warmth for all ages.
Marvel as expert chainsaw carvers transform massive ice blocks into stunning sculptures. Join the festive “Crazy Parade” at 6 p.m. Thursday, followed by a community tree lighting on Monument Square. Savor treats from food vendors, groove to live tunes, greet Santa, and browse the holiday market for unique gifts.
Don’t miss the Mifflin County Model Railroad Club’s enchanting model train display or family-friendly scavenger hunts. Bundle up and bring the joy home!
