mars new year
history
WHY IS IT CALLED MARS?
The borough of Mars was originally established as Overbrook in the 1870s. When it became clear that another railroad stop already shared the same name, the community needed a new identity.
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Two stories have endured over the years. One credits founder Samuel Parks' wife, who was fascinated by astronomy and suggested naming the town after the Red Planet. The other, widely accepted by local historians, suggests the name was shortened from Marshall, honoring Samuel Marshall, a local justice of the peace and one of the founders of the community's first post office.
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Regardless of its origin, the name "Mars" has made the borough one of the most unique destinations in Western Pennsylvania.
Long before Mars New Year began, the borough had already established a connection to space exploration.
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In 1989, students from the Mars Area Foundation for Education Enrichment invited both the Soviet Union and NASA to visit Mars... Pennsylvania.
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Their letters resulted in an unforgettable moment in local history when Soviet cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev and American astronaut Mario Runco Jr. visited the community together, inspiring students and residents alike during a remarkable moment of international cooperation.
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The event remains one of the borough's most memorable celebrations and helped strengthen Mars' reputation as a place where education, exploration, and community come together.
A COMMUNITY
INSPIRED BY SPACE
When the community's longtime New Year's celebration came to an end in 2014, local leaders began searching for a new tradition.
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That conversation sparked a simple question:
"What if Mars, Pennsylvania celebrated New Year... on Mars?"
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The borough contacted the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to learn when the next Martian New Year would occur. Working alongside JPL's education and public engagement team, local volunteers developed a new festival centered around exploration, science, education, and discovery.
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The first Mars New Year Festival was held in June 2015, launching a tradition that continues to grow with every Martian year.
THE BEGINNING
OF MARS NEW YEAR
A FESTIVAL ON MARTIAN TIME
Unlike most festivals, Mars New Year isn't held every year.
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The celebration takes place approximately every 687 Earth days, the length of one Martian year as Mars completes a full orbit around the Sun.
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This unique schedule makes every festival a special occasion and reflects the scientific inspiration behind the event itself.
HOW THE FESTIVAL
HAS GROWN
Today, Mars New Year has evolved into one of Pennsylvania's most distinctive festivals, bringing together families, educators, researchers, students, technology organizations, universities, and space professionals for a celebration of exploration and innovation.
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Festival highlights have included:
-Space exploration exhibits and presentations
-STEAM demonstrations and interactive technology
-University and research organization exhibits
-Hands-on STEAM activities
-The Mars STEAM Challenge
-Guest speakers and educational presentations
-Space-themed costume contests
-Live entertainment
-Nightly drone shows
-Local businesses, food, and community activities
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The festival has also been recognized with Pennsylvania's Spot On Innovation Award, celebrating its creative blend of education, technology, and community engagement.
A LANDMARK
WORTH VISITING
No visit to Mars is complete without a stop at the borough's iconic Flying Saucer.
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Built locally in the early 1990s from two large steel oil tanks, the saucer has become one of Mars' most recognizable landmarks. Weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, it has welcomed countless visitors over the years and remains a favorite photo opportunity for families exploring downtown Mars.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
With every Martian New Year, the festival continues to grow while staying true to its mission of inspiring curiosity, celebrating innovation, and bringing communities together.
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As Mars New Year looks ahead, the festival continues to expand partnerships with universities, research institutions, technology organizations, educators, and industry leaders to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators.
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The journey is just getting started.