GOOSE DAY — September 29, 2026
Goose Day Celebration Days September 25-29, 2026
This Juniata River Valley tradition has been observed for more than two centuries. Legend has it that if you eat goose on Sept. 29, you will never want for money all the year round. Believers of this tradition adhere to it faithfully and eat goose every Sept. 29, thus ensuring wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
Local restaurants add goose dinners to their menus while others put their special spin on unique recipes using the lucky bird. Check out the Goose Day List on Sept. 1 to start making your plans to visit.
Brought to the Juniata River Valley in the late 1700’s, Goose Day’s arrival is thanks to an early settler from England. Legend has it that if you eat goose on September 29, also known as Saint Michaelmas Day, you will never want for money all the year round.
Download the Goose Day Legend flyer for the history behind the holiday.
Meet Flat Goose Washington!
Print your very own "Flat Goose Washington" and take him on an adventure across the Juniata River Valley or anywhere in the world! Snap a photo of him visiting your favorite historic landmark, scenic overlook, trail, museum, or hidden gem.
Goose Washington would especially love to have his photo taken with our Wild Geese statues throughout the region, so be sure to stop and pose with them along the way! Share your photo on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #GooseWashington so we can follow his travels. We'll be featuring our favorite photos on the Goose Day in the Juniata River Valley page as we celebrate America's 250th all year long.
Where will Goose Washington go next? Let the journey begin!
