Marmot Day

Marmot Day is an Alaskan holiday established to celebrate marmots and Alaska's unique culture. Although local festivals have been part and parcel of frontier life since time immemorial, Marmot Day became an official holiday on April 18, 2009, when the 26th Alaska State Legislature officially passed Senate Bill 58.^[1] Marmot Day is celebrated on February 2, replacing Groundhog Day with a holiday honoring Alaska's marmots. From Juneau^[2] to Anchorage^[3] to Fairbanks,^[4] and all the cities in between, Marmot Day has become an Alaskan institution.

Marmot Day's Distinguished History

Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Linda Menard, R-Wasilla, was first introduced by the late Dr. Curtis Menard, Linda Menard's husband and former state legislator. Concerned by the gradual decline of Alaska's folk values, and worried that the 49th state would become a suburb of Houston both culturally and economically^{[citation needed]}, Dr. Menard drew a line in the sand with his idea of creating Marmot Day in the 1990s. After getting stuck in a committee while politics was played, the controversial Marmot Day bill died in the legislature. Sen. Linda Menard reintroduced the bill for the 26th Alaska Legislature, and the bill passed by a Marmot's whisker on the second to last day of the legislative session, and Sarah Palin signed it into law.^[5] As Senator Menard said, "By recognizing the marmot, our state [built] a tradition and legacy to be built on for future generations.^[6]"

Regarding Marmots

Marmots are very abundant in Alaska, especially in the Brooks Range and Hatcher Pass area, the latter of which lies in Sen. Menard's legislative district. Marmot Day can be celebrated in a variety of ways, and received lots of support from the Alaska Zoo and schools in the state.

Marmot Day in Owosso

Marmot Day is also a community celebration in Owosso, Michigan, occurring on July 25 (or on the following Monday if the 25th falls on a weekend).^[7] It is a celebration of all marmots, which include groundhogs, woodchucks, and ground squirrels.

History of Owosso's Marmot Day

Marmot Day was begun in 2002 in Owosso, Michigan, as a day of celebration for this animal which is usually considered as a pest. A luncheon is traditional as part of the celebration, and marmot jokes are also shared, among other festivities typical of any party or celebration. At 12:30 P.M., a marmot is positioned outside its hole, and if it goes into its hole, legend has it that summer is over; if it does not go into its hole, there will be one more month of summer. The 2009 celebration^[8] included a video contest^[9] with a $1000 prize.

Confusion with Groundhog Day

Because groundhogs are also marmots, Groundhog Day (which occurs on February 2) is also referred to as Marmot Day, in places both with and places without distinct marmot populations.^[10] The Owosso celebration is a distinct event.

References

1. ^ Alaska Senate Bill 58 (pdf). Retrieved 2010-07-06.
2. ^ [1] Marmot Day Celebrated in Juneau
3. ^ [2] Marmot Day Celebrated in Anchorage
4. ^ [3] Marmot Day Celebrated in Fairbanks
5. ^ [4] A Brief History of Marmot Day
6. ^ [5] A Brief History of Marmot Day
7. ^ Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
8. ^ 2009 celebration.^{[dead link]}
9. ^ Marmot Day Owosso 2009. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
10. ^ Marmot's Day / St.Petersburg city news. Retrieved 2010-07-06.