Goose Day celebration returns with new patriotic twist
Five-day celebration features parade, drone show, food and traditions
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LEWISTOWN -- More than two centuries of tradition will take on a patriotic twist this year as Goose Day returns to the Juniata River Valley with five days of events, food and festivities.
The 2026 celebration will run Sept. 25 through 29, culminating with the official Goose Day holiday. In recognition of America's 250th anniversary, organizers are adding several patriotic elements, including a new "Red, White & Goose" parade through downtown Lewistown.
"We love celebrating the traditions that have made Goose Day special for generations, but we also can't resist celebrating new ways for people to join the fun," said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau. "This year's mix of classic and goosier events promises to make this year's celebration the goosiest one yet."
The Goose Day Parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in downtown Lewistown and feature floats, community groups and goose-themed entries.
"Goose Day is a tradition that is special to our community, and the 'Red, White and Goose Day Parade' gives us a chance to celebrate our Nation's 250th anniversary while also honoring a tradition that has been part of Mifflin County for generations," said Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County commissioner and president of the visitors bureau board.
The America250 theme will also introduce "Goose Washington," this year's featured goose. Goose Washington will make appearances for photo opportunities during Lewistown First Friday on Sept. 4 and Lucky Friday on Sept. 25.
A new Flat Goose Washington activity encourages participants to download a printable version of the character, take it to their favorite locations and share photographs on social media.
Other additions this year include what organizers are calling the biggest goose ever displayed in the Juniata River Valley. The oversized goose will be located at One-Stop Communications on East Market Street in downtown Lewistown for photo opportunities.
Two penny presses featuring Goose Day-themed designs will be available at the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau office and The Square Café & Bakery, both on Market Street.
Shy Bear Brewing will host the Stable Shakers' "Do the Dead," a Grateful Dead tribute, on Goose Day. The ticketed event will also give guests an opportunity to eat goose.
Goose Day is also getting its own book series from Jennifer Bright. "The Goose Day Adventure" is a coloring and activity book, while "The Goose Day Adventure Rewards" is a pocket-sized book featuring special offers. The books will be available through local stores and online.
Painting Parties by Judy will offer opportunities to create seasonal outfits or personalize porch geese.
Several organizations and businesses are also joining the celebration with new events, including 4th & Market, Brookline Retirement Village, The Scope & Binocular Shoppe and Grace United Methodist Church.
Returning activities include the Goose Day Road Rally and Goose Day 5K. A drone light show featuring 300 drones will create goose-themed images in the sky.
Food will again play a major role in the celebration. Twelve locations are expected to serve traditional roast goose dinners, with reservations encouraged. Other offerings will include goose pizza, goose soup, goose poutine, barbecue goose parfaits and goose confit.
Local businesses will also offer Goose Day merchandise, including shirts, earrings and ornaments. The visitors bureau's online store will feature items including customized squishy goose toys, penny bands, magnets and enamel pins.
The 2026 Goose Day postcards will be available at the visitors bureau office, while a commemorative Goose Day pictorial postmark will be available at the Lewistown Post Office on Sept. 29.
Another longstanding tradition will continue at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, where the first baby born on Goose Day will receive a handmade afghan and goose toy created by local artisan Betsy Cox.
Goose Day traces its local tradition back more than two centuries and has grown into a regional celebration drawing on the belief that eating goose on Sept. 29 brings good luck for the coming year.
A full schedule of Goose Day activities and parade information is available at gooseday.fun.