City of Sun Prairie Prepares for Exciting Final Day of Frozen Fest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 28, 2025
Jake King
Communications and Diversity Strategist
jking@cityofsunprairie.com
(608) 332-5397

City of Sun Prairie Prepares for Exciting Final Day of Frozen Fest

The City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Forestry (SPPRF) Department is thrilled to invite community members and visitors to the grand finale of the Frozen Fest series, taking place on Sunday, February 2, presented by Bank of Sun Prairie. This winter celebration promises a day full of community gathering, cherished traditions, and excitement, leading up to one of Sun Prairie’s most beloved activities —Jimmy the Groundhog delivering his highly anticipated prediction.

77th Annual Groundhog Prognostication

The community is invited to join the 77th Annual Groundhog Prognostication, a long-standing tradition that begins bright and early at 6:45 a.m. in Cannery Square. Local officials will lead the ceremony, with the main event taking place at 7:11 a.m., precisely at sunrise, when Jimmy determines whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Groundhog Day apparel on-site to commemorate the occasion.

After the prediction, the excitement continues with the 5th Annual Hibernation Hustle 5k and Kids Dash, where participants can choose their own prediction with a blue or gold race shirt.

Hibernation Hustle 5K & Kids Dash

After Jimmy’s prediction, runners and walkers can hit the course to race for a cause and show off some seasonal spirit! When registering, please choose the prediction with your shirt color: blue for six more weeks of winter or gold for an early spring. The event is open to registrants of all ages and abilities. Whether chasing a personal best or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa at the finish line, it is a Groundhog Day tradition open to everyone! Register by visiting: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/SunPrairie/HibernationHustle5kRunWalk

For attendees looking for a different way to warm up throughout the winter morning, a pancake breakfast will be available as another choice post prediction.

Pancake Breakfast with Jimmy the Groundhog

The Sun Prairie Exchange Club will be hosting the Pancake Breakfast! Join Jimmy the Groundhog for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and enjoy an opportunity to meet Wisconsin’s favorite groundhog up close. Each ticket includes endless pancakes served fresh off the griddle, exclusive photo opportunities with Sun Prairie’s beloved Jimmy the Groundhog, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages to enjoy. After filling up on pancakes, attendees can make plans to watch the sled dog demo from the Free Spirit Siberian Rescue as they showcase their strength, speed, and teamwork in a sled dog demonstration.

Sled Dog Demo

This event, taking place at Wetmore Park from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., offers the opportunity to meet the pack, learn about sled dog training, and hear about the rescue’s mission to find forever homes for these dogs. Perfect for families and dog lovers, this free demonstration is sure to delight attendees of all ages.

“I am so grateful to see the community shows up every year to celebrate winter in Sun Prairie,” said Alyse Peters, Special Events & Sponsorship Manager. “From the excitement of Jimmy the Groundhog’s prediction to the variety of family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to get excited about!”

Frozen Fest would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and contributing partners. Special thanks to Bank of Sun Prairie, the presenting sponsor. Additional support and sponsorship were provided by Visit Sun Prairie, Evan Tenebruso of Nowlan Personal Injury Law, Downtown Sun Prairie, American Family Insurance – Josh Erickson Agency LLC, West Prairie Dental, Working Partnerships, LLC, Finish the List, Tipsy Cow, Forever Home Real Estate, Collector’s Choice Coins, Sun Prairie Ice Arena, Sun Prairie Lion’s Club, Sun Prairie Exchange Club, and Groundswell Conservancy.

For more information about Frozen Fest, please visit the official webpage at www.cityofsunprairie.com/FrozenFest.

Specific questions and inquiries can be directed to Alyse Peters, Special Events & Sponsorship Manager, at apeters@cityofsunprairie.com

About City of Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane county, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 39,419 today.