You Spoke. We Listened. And We’re Building This Together.
We recently asked you—our neighbors, creatives, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and dreamers—what you needed most from Connect Happy Valley. And your voices were clear, honest, and full of heart.
“There isn’t one central hub for activities, events, and opportunities in Happy Valley. It’s time-consuming to bounce between Facebook, HVAB, and event pages—and even then, I’m often missing things.”
“Tell more of the good news that’s happening with nonprofits, service clubs, and volunteers. We need encouragement and examples.”
“I’d love for this platform to help me connect with people who are in a season of change—those who are trying to feel more confident in how they show up. There’s so much energy here for reinvention.”
“It’s hard to find inclusive content—not just for students or retirees. So many of us are in between—starting over, building careers, looking to connect in meaningful ways.”
We didn’t just read your responses—we let them crystallize our strategy.
This is our blueprint: real voices shaping a platform built not for broadcast, but for dialogue. Not for algorithms, but for authentic community connection. Not for institutions alone, but for everyday people with something to say, share, or celebrate.
What If the Way to Connect Us… Was Fun?
Before hashtags and headlines. Before podcasts and policy reports. Before we all became overwhelmed by information…
There was music. And games. And fairs. And tailgates. There was dance, laughter, community theatre, and campfires that lingered late into the night.
There was play.
And in a place as remarkable as Happy Valley—in the heart of the Alleghenies—we think it’s time to rediscover that power.
Maybe the Arts Festival in booming downtown reminded me WHY…
It reawakened something that started long ago—when my first “marketplace” was a tailgate. When connection meant face paint, shared coolers, and stories shouted over music. So why not get back to those roots? Why not make play the way forward?
Why Start With Play? Because It’s How We Connect
At Connect Happy Valley, we believe fun is more than an escape, it’s a strategy. Because when people gather for concerts, festivals, charity events, and sports, they aren’t just enjoying themselves, they’re forming bonds. And bonds are the first step to collaboration, trust, and transformation.
We live in a region of 35 municipalities. Six powerful counties: Centre, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Clearfield, Clinton, and Juniata. A web of nonprofits. Countless organizations. All doing good work.
But often disconnected.
That’s why we’re not starting with policy. We’re starting with tailgates, trails, and tunes.
Connect Happy Valley is About Connection with a Smile
Imagine:
- A regional live music calendar where you find every open mic and bluegrass band.
- Nonprofit pop-up booths at tailgates.
- A searchable map of weekend fun: corn mazes, food truck fests, nature walks, brewery trivia nights.
We want to spotlight the incredible culture and creativity of this region—its artists, musicians, creators, and community builders—because civic connection starts with shared celebration.
Nonprofits as the New Town Square
Our nonprofits are more than service providers—they’re culture creators. They’re often the hidden heroes bringing people together: through art shows, community dinners, runs, and local theater.
Connect Happy Valley exists to give these organizations the platform, tools, and reach they need to:
- Share their events.
- Promote their causes.
- Collaborate across county lines.
From the Mountains to the Music Tent
The Alleghenies are Pennsylvania’s greatest outdoor playground. And Happy Valley is its cultural engine.
Together, they’re the perfect setting for:
- Outdoor adventures that become annual traditions
- Live music under string lights that turns strangers into friends.
- Neighborhood porch fests that spark lifelong connections
We’re here to promote it, package it, and celebrate it. Because connection doesn’t just happen on comment boards—it happens when we show up.
So Why “Connect” in a Place This Fragmented?
It might sound idealistic. But connection is contagious.
In a world divided by algorithms and headlines, real community is revolutionary. And it often starts with a beer garden, a band, and a chance to breathe together.
Happy Valley isn’t just a place, it’s a vibe. A verb. A way of being together.
And if state-defined regions like “The Alleghenies” are going to succeed, it won’t be because of policy memos. It’ll be because people start seeing themselves as part of something bigger.
And maybe—just maybe—because we weaned ourselves off these damn digital screens and GOT OUT. That’s why we love Pine Grove Hall. It’s why we’re celebrating real community builders like Liz Grove, who’s rocking it with Flour and Stone and Pine Grove Hall—literally putting her money where her mouth is. Liz doesn’t just fight for live music—she sings on one of her own stages with her band. She brings the acts in and brings us together.
She’s not talking about economic development—she’s doing it. Showing us how to build community from Wednesday through Sunday, every single week. As so many others are bringing culture to our region, we want to celebrate with all of you creators ( Corey with Manny’s) and other entrepreneurs “bringing it” every day and fighting to make it sustainable as a business model (for us).
So, let’s lead with fun. Let’s gather. Let’s connect.
Connect Happy Valley: Together “we are” better.
PS: We are gearing up for our August 1st “founder lunch” at Pine Grove Hall. If you can’t make it—we still want your opinions! Many of you already signed up for this first-ever session, and enlisted to be writers, forum moderators, and catalysts for dialogue—ambassadors of this movement. Want in? Fill this out, join us for a great lunch, and become a founder of a new and evolving local social media platform. [Click here to participate.]
Social media was created to be social. Dialog over broadcast. That’s what we’re getting back to—with you. This is your space. Let’s build it together.
