Swaney honored as Martian of the Year
ADAMS TWP — There was a surprise announcement at the start of the Mars New Year Blast Off Dinner on Thursday night at Treesdale County Club.
The organizing committee has started a new award: Martian of the Year.
The first ever Martian of the Year is Bill Swaney, a founding member of the Mars History and Landmark Society, former business owner, former borough council member and longtime resident.
Mayor Gregg Hartung said Swaney’s name quickly came up when he introduced the idea of Martian of the Year to the New Year celebration committee.
“He’s the genius behind the spaceship. It’s now the symbol of our town,” Hartung said.
Swaney, originally from Pittsburgh, moved to Mars in 1955 and owned a transmission repair shop for more than 40 years. In 1980, he was one of the founders of the history society.
He said he commissioned metal worker Shorty Davison to make the flying saucer sculpture in 1988. It is made from a recycled fuel tank and weighs about 2,800 pounds.
John Watson, president of the history society, also credited Swaney with being instrumental in saving the historic Mars train station.
“He’s definitely Mr. Mars,” Watson said.
Mars’ New Year celebration goes on today and Saturday in downtown Mars.
