Goose Day participation encouraged at Rotary meeting
Visitors bureau official shares how to get involved
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LEWISTOWN -- Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jenny Barron Landis encouraged local businesses, organizations and residents to take part in this year's Goose Day festivities during Tuesday's meeting of the Rotary Club of Lewistown.
Landis discussed the history of the Sept. 29 tradition and recognized the businesses, local officials, residents and visitors who help make the annual celebration possible.
"The visitors bureau does not own Goose Day," Landis said, emphasizing that anyone can participate.
She encouraged businesses to use the celebration as an opportunity to attract customers and generate revenue while contributing to a tradition centered on community involvement.
According to the visitors bureau's website, eating goose on Sept. 29 ensures "you will never want for money all the year round."
Landis said last year's rainy weather did not deter visitors.
"I remember standing in the middle of the street looking down the road and thinking 'oh my…"
This year’s Lucky Friday will be held Friday, Sept. 25 with a Goose Day 5K, slated for Saturday Landis shared that they already reached a record high of preregistrations.
Landis joked how last year they ran out of numbers for the runners to wear.
When asked whether local schools were participating, Landis said the visitors bureau provides coloring pages and other activities for children but would like to expand its involvement with schools.
"It's important to get the kids involved," she said. "They are the ones who will continue the tradition."
Landis recalled Goose Day celebrations from her childhood in the 1970s, when the festivities included a band competition and parade. A parade will return this year with help from Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, who volunteered to organize it.
The Red, White and Goose Day Parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Those interested in participating or volunteering may contact the Mifflin County Commissioners Office.
Landis also recognized Jason Ufema, owner of Shy Bear Brewing, for helping local restaurants obtain goose meat for the celebration. Ufema received the Golden Feather award last year.
Because goose meat can be difficult to obtain locally, she said Ufema began coordinating orders approximately four years ago. He operates a designated website through which participating restaurants order frozen goose from a large Midwestern producer. Ufema coordinates payments and stores the shipment until restaurants are ready to collect their orders.