Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie: Jimmy Predicts an Early Spring

Jimmy the Groundhog did not see his shadow Sunday and predicts an early spring during the Groundhog Day festivities in Sun Prairie. Several hundred families and groundhog enthusiasts packed into the downtown area of Cannery Square, cheering the announcement from Mayor Paul Esser.

Esser was joined by several local and state officials, including Melissa Ratcliff, a member of the State Senate, and State Representative Andrew Hysell, who read the proclamation issued by Governor Tony Evers declaring February 2nd, 2025, as Groundhog Day throughout the State of Wisconsin.

History of Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie

The history of the event takes it back to 1948. It all began when a commercial artist in Eau Claire, Ira Bennett, picked Sun Prairie to represent Groundhog Day on a series of Wisconsin-themed postcards. Little did he know, his design would kickstart a celebration that would last.

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LISTEN to Luke Mathers and Pat Kreitlow, host of UpNorthNews Radio, discuss the history of Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie:

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Sun Prairie’s festivities have evolved into a vibrant annual event. Jimmy the Groundhog takes center stage as the area weather prognosticator. This lovable rodent’s prediction—whether spring will arrive early or winter will drag on—draws crowds from across the country.

The celebration is also far more than a weather forecast. The event is a large piece of Sun Prairie’s culture thanks to passionate locals, including the Groundhog Club. The community also embraces its “Groundhog Capital of the World” title.

A Rivalry Develops Between Jimmy and Phil

Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie has also sparked a rivalry with Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home of the famous Phil. Years ago, Jimmy’s prediction differed from Phil’s, and it caused a playful banter to start between the two towns. It also cemented the lighthearted rivalry that continues to this day — even this year, the two do not agree. Jimmy predicts an early spring, while Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of wintry weather. You can read more about Phil’s 2025 prognostication here.

Grading the Groundhogs Predictions

Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil may be the most known weather-predicting groundhog, but a new accuracy list highlights whose predictions can be trusted. Phil came in 17th out of 19 critters ranked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Grading the Groundhogs list. Phil’s accuracy rating? Just 35%.

However, NOAA gives Jimmy a 60% accuracy rating, which places him at number six. Staten Island’s Groundhog Chuck tops the list with an 85% accuracy rating. You can read more about the rankings and rules here.

And on Groundhog Day, 2025, Sun Prairie’s unique tradition and beloved cultural event celebrates its 77th year. And according to city officials, there are a few especially notable dates in the history of the event.

1952: The feud with Punxsutawney makes headlines around the country. Sun Prairie is described in the Punxsutawney newspaper as a “remote two cow village buried somewhere in the wilderness.” And in response, Sun Prairie officials announce the title, Groundhog Capital of the World, during the annual Groundhog Day event.

1965: The Groundhog Club establishes the ‘Jimmy the Groundhog’ dynasty. Sun Prairie residents Erich and Tina Lenz are the official Keepers of the Faith (also known as Keepers of the Groundhog, or the groundhog handler). The Lenz family develops the largest 4-H Club in Sun Prairie with the name Prairie Groundhogs.

2015: It is an over enthusiastic Groundhog who bites the ear of Mayor Jon Freund while making his prognostication. It also makes it a very memorable event and generates a substantial amount of media interest as the story quickly goes viral.

Related Article of Interest

Civic Media: Just In Time for Groundhog Day, A Look at the Film’s Timeless Charm