Even as a third grader at Altoona’s Willowbrook Elementary, Alex Payne was intrigued by the history of Altoona, particularly when his class visited historic sites like Back Door Fabrics in Olde Town. For a kid, these dusty places contained a kind of magic—it was like the people and events of the past were echoing through the walls, their stories begging to be told.

The next time you’re diving headfirst into the muck while defending your Mud Volleyball tournament title, take a moment to thank Mary for helping orchestrate Altoona’s zaniest, most iconic—and yes, muddiest—event of the year: Altoona Palooza.

Since moving to Altoona in 1992, Steve and Ann Moyna have done as much to grow the community and bring its residents together as anyone—volunteering with numerous local organizations, taking on leadership roles, building bridges between various local groups, and helping organize Altoona Palooza.