Sun Prairie, WI, prides itself on its festive celebration of Groundhog Day. They've got cakes, decorations, and even a statue of a groundhog in the middle of town. Groundhog Day is very important here. The one day a year when the groundhog whispers into the Mayor's ear and let's him know if winter will end sooner or later. Last year, then-Mayor Jon Freund hunched over to listen to hear the groundhog, the feisty little guy promptly bit his ear. If that didn't make him rebel enough, the groundhog chewed through his metal cage and escaped.
Whether or not to replace the critter has caused quite the stir in town. Some say that Groundhog Day can be celebrated without having to trap a wild animal. The new Mayor, Paul Esser thinks it's just not humane. He even suggested a gerbil instead, gerbils are domesticated after all. Maybe even someone in a groundhog costume might be better.
"February 2nd isn't Gerbil Day, it's Groundhog Day," one resident said. "It would just be winter from there on," a little boy said. Another insisted that we've always had a groundhog so why change the tradition?
What do you think about the age old Groundhog Day debate? Let us know in the comments!
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