Forget Punxsutawney Phil. According to Congress, Jimmy the Groundhog of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is where the rodent weather forecasting is at.
On February 2nd, we celebrate “cross-quarter day”, normally the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. Now, in the media and movies – thanks to the film Groundhog Day – that annoying groundhog in Pennsylvania gets much of the glory. But really, Sun Prairie holds the official title of “Groundhog Capital of the World”, as noted in the Congressional Record.
Jimmy the Groundhog makes his annual prediction in Sun Prairie on February 2nd. Based on cloudy skies this Monday morning, Jimmy did NOT see his shadow, so he’s predicting an early spring. But as Wisconsinites, we all know we’ll likely have six more weeks of winter. At least.
It’s been an adventure at times. Usually around 7am on Groundhog Day, regardless of weather, local dignitaries and quite a crowd gather around to see Jimmy the Groundhog’s prognostication. In 2015, Jimmy bit the mayor’s ear while being held up for the crowd to see. Hopefully he’ll be in a good mood this year!
If you want to check out what’s happening in Sun Prairie whether groundhogs are involved or not, just follow U.S. 151 or Highway 19 (or County N north from I-94 at Exit #244) and you’ll find a vibrant downtown, Full Mile Brewery & Kitchen, Cannery Square, Angell Park with its historic race track, the marker noting Sun Prairie as the birthplace of Georgia O’Keeffe, and a lot more.
Worth a road trip whether it’s Groundhog Day or not!
