SUN PRAIRIE, WI (WTAQ) – Could Sun Prairie’s famous Groundhog Day celebration happen without a groundhog?
If you recall, last year’s Groundhog Day festivities garnered worldwide attention after Jimmy the Groundhog bit then-Mayor Jon Freund’s ear.
But in the fallout from that event, Jimmy’s owners were told by authorities they had to have a license to own a groundhog.
“The new owners did not pursue that and released him,” said Freund. “My understanding is that they have secured a groundhog for that ceremony from a wildlife preserve.”
Freund, who says he harbors no ill will towards his furry friend, believes this shouldn’t have happened.
“It’s unfortunate that people have chosen Jimmy to make an example out of with not wanting him to be a pet, he was better taken care of than many pets,” said Freund. “And I think he was a great mascot for Sun Prairie.”
Current Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser sees “Jimmygate” differently.
“Jimmy was removed both because of the biting incident, but also this guy is a wild animal, this isn’t a cat or a dog,” Esser said. “Nor do I think it’s all that humane to treat it in that regard.”
Esser, who previously served as mayor for two terms in the 1980’s, says he always preferred interpreting the forecasts with the groundhog in a cage. But he says they’re trying to be a more diverse Sun Prairie.
“We’re making that a big issue here in the city with how we treat people in the community that we treat them respectfully and I think that should carry over to the animal,” said Esser.
Organizers from the city’s Business Improvement District say the event will happen February 2 whether a live groundhog is in place or not. Esser would like to see the days of Jimmy end, and move to a new era of a mascot or stuffed animal.
“Do you think that most people who show up actually believe that groundhogs forecast the weather? I don’t think so,” said Esser. “I think everybody understands that it’s a fun event.”
Freund indicates that the owners are trying to keep the tradition alive.
“I do understand that they are talking about breeding a new Jimmy,” said Freund.
