While it’s important to slip away now and then on some exotic vacation to your dream destination, we have to remember to take some time to appreciate our home town, too.
A change of scenery is great on occasion, but it can’t be the answer every time you need get away. It’s just not practical.
There was something that drew you to your hometown. Maybe it was a job, family, friends, kids. Learn to love it.
Maybe you’re in the mountains and enjoy the rolling hills — or you’re in the city and spend your weekends at concerts or comedy shows.
Every region has something unique that’s worthy of being celebrated.
Don’t believe me?
Our small town – for reasons I don’t fully understand – is the only area in the country that celebrates St. Michaelmas Day. Or as we call it, “Goose Day.”
From what I can tell, it’s an English holiday, dating back to the Middle Ages.
It celebrates Archangel Michael – considered one of the greatest angels for defeating the devil in the war in Heaven.
Michaelmas Day — like all great holidays — incorporates a feast and a tradition of eating goose to protect against financial hardship.
Legend says: Eat a goose on Michaelmas Day, Want not for money all the year.
Goose Day – Sept. 29 – has been celebrated in the Juniata River Valley for quite some time, but in recent years, saw a resurgence thanks to some enthusiastic supporters who believed in their small town.
The Juniata River Valley Visitor’s Bureau took the lead some time ago – simply by spreading the word.
Then, they invited local businesses to get involved. How? Be creative! Some ran special Goose Day sales. Some served Goose. Some made a game out of it.
As it grew, more agencies and organizations got involved. It’s grown to a huge festival, complete with street vendors and a DRONE SHOW. Big news for our small town.
Even my business has gotten involved over the years.
We’ve made goose-themed soap – event “goose poop” soap one year. We invested in craft supplies and invited locals to make goose masks. We’ve also done gift baskets and designed merch through Print on Demand. You can check out my items here. This week, I’m in the process of launching a new design. I’ll post them here once they’re ready.
The hope has been to make Goose Day in Lewistown as big as Groundhog Day in Punxatauney — making it a tourist destination.
You can find out more information about Goose Day here.
What gems do you have in your region? If you’re not sure, you might want to check with your local Visitor’s Bureau. When you find that thing that makes your area unique, celebrate it!
It’s great to go new places and try new things, but it’s also important to support growth efforts in your own back yard.
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