The Johnsonburg Community Trust (JCT) invites the public to celebrate the season at its annual Christmas Open House at the Heritage-Education & Welcome Center (HEWC) on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the historic Armstrong Brick Block in downtown Johnsonburg.
This beloved community event is part of a town-wide holiday celebration, featuring three major gatherings — the HEWC Open House, the Johnsonburg Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Market, and the Johnsonburg Fire Department Holidayfest — along with special activities hosted by downtown businesses. Together, these events create a festive, hometown kickoff to the holiday season.
“You can explore the historic Brick Block, meet local artists and authors, shop two major markets, enjoy lunch at the Fire Hall, and support small-town revival all in one day,” said Stephanie Distler, President of the Johnsonburg Community Trust. “It’s everything we love about community — history, creativity, and heart.”
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HERITAGE-EDUCATION & WELCOME CENTER OPEN HOUSE (9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Hosted by the Johnsonburg Community Trust
Location: Armstrong Brick Block, Downtown Johnsonburg
Experience the beauty and progress of the restored Armstrong Brick Block while enjoying festive activities for all ages.
Highlights include:
Tataboline Enos, Author Meet & Greet (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Signing her award-winning book Proudly Made: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds, recipient of the Silver Nonfiction Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association and recently honored with the Governor’s Keystone Award
PA Wilds Juried Artisan Lisa Conklin, owner of Conklin Studio Pottery, Lewis Run and metalsmith Sara Frank, owner of Blue Eyed Silver, Ridgway both known for their craftsmanship and creativity.
Living Windows & Artist Demonstrations with Janet Lenze VanEerden (Market Street architectural sketches) and Jesse Gradl (mono printing). These two talented artists are from Gallery 29, St. Marys, PA
Public Typewriter Project, refreshments and mini tours of restoration progress.
Admission is free; donations support ongoing revitalization.
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BRICK BLOCK BUSINESSES JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Businesses under the cantilevered arcade of the historic Armstrong Brick Block will host special events, in-store promotions throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to explore each storefront and discover the growing creative energy of downtown Johnsonburg.
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JOHNSONBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLIDAY MARKET 9-3
Location: Johnsonburg Community Center
Returning this year with dozens of vendors, the Holiday Market offers handcrafted gifts and local products.The eagerly anticipated Holiday Market is making its grand return to the heart of our community, once again gracing the Johnsonburg Community Center with its festive spirit. This cherished annual event promises to be a vibrant showcase, featuring an extensive array of talented vendors, each offering a unique collection of handcrafted gifts and locally sourced products.
Applications have been sent to returning vendors; those interested in joining the waitlist can email johnsonburgpachamber@gmail.com.
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JOHNSONBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAYFEST 9-3
Location: 99 Clarion Road, Johnsonburg
68 vendor tables, raffles, 50/50, and Auxiliary kitchen lunches
Gun Bash Tickets on sale for the first time ($20 each) — Event Date: February 21, 2026
Special Raffle: Win a Henry American Eagle “God Bless America” Golden Boy .22 caliber rifle ($5 chance; drawing February 21, 2026)**
Vendor tables are full — come ready to shop and support our volunteer firefighters!
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UPCOMING 2025–2026 Johnsonburg Community Trust EVENTS
New Year’s Eve Luminary Walk on Market Street- Ring in the new year with a glowing community display under the winter sky.
Art Classes & Workshops — Continuing at the Heritage-Education & Welcome Center throughout the year, led by regional artists.
Clothing Thrift Swaps — Quarterly sustainability events encouraging reuse, connection, and community giving.
Brick Block Arts & Heritage Festival — Coming Summer 2026!
The Johnsonburg Community Trust is thrilled to announce the return of its two-day Brick Block Arts & Heritage Festival, celebrating Johnsonburg’s unique culture and history in the heart of downtown.
This year’s theme, “America 250,” commemorates the nation’s 250th birthday and coincides with the Johnsonburg Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Alumni & Friends Weekend.
Market Street will be the heart of the festivities, featuring live music, food trucks, local business specials, heritage activities, and family fun.
Some of the activities include Darkwater Duo/JB Unplugged, artists/artisans, exhibits, demonstrations, food trucks, etc. etc. Friday and Saturday bands to be announced , Carshow, artists/artisans, organizations, wildlife exhibits, food trucks, etc. etc.
Stay tuned for exciting updates as they are confirmed!
For vendor information or event details, reach out to Stephanie Distler, jbgcomtrust@gmail.com johnsonburgcommunitytrust.org.
Annual Alumni & Friends weekend events sponsored by Johnsonburg Chamber of Commerce Thursday campfire social, Friday activities at the events on Market Street and Saturday dinner, 4-12, held at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall. Many other activities are being planned by the Chamber.
Details coming soon!
Invitations being sent out spring 2026!
Eats on the Street May 16th, 2026, Market Street
Autumn Harvest Festival September 12th, 2026, Market Street
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THE ARMSTRONG BRICK BLOCK — A LEGACY RESTORED
The Johnsonburg Community Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, continues to lead the revitalization of the historic 1890s Armstrong Brick Block — one of the region’s most significant architectural landmarks and a symbol of Johnsonburg’s resilience.
Once the first outdoor mall in the United States, the Brick Block has stood through generations of the town’s story. Now, through the passion of volunteers and the support of donors and partners, it is entering a new chapter as a center for new retail businesses, heritage, arts, and community connection.
“We can’t wait to share everything happening within these historic walls,the work being done today will shape Johnsonburg’s next hundred years,” added Distler.
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Media Contact:
Stephanie Distler
President, Johnsonburg Community Trust
📧 jbgcomtrust@gmail.com
🌐 johnsonburgcommunitytrust.org
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About the Johnsonburg Community Trust
The Johnsonburg Community Trust (JCT) is dedicated to revitalizing downtown Johnsonburg by fostering a vibrant, interconnected community through historic preservation, heritage education, and arts programming. The Trust manages the Heritage-Education & Welcome Center and leads ongoing restoration of the Armstrong Brick Block.
Johnsonburg Community Trust’s Mission:
The Johnsonburg Community Trust (JCT) is dedicated to revitalizing the downtown area by fostering a vibrant and interconnected community. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all residents through sustainable economic growth, meaningful connections, and the celebration of our unique local heritage.
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#savingplaces #historyandheritage #commercialhistoricdistrict #PAWilds #SmallTownsBigStories #JohnsonburgPA #communitysupportingcommunity #America250 #ShopSmall #artsandheritage