SNOHOMISH — The city’s most famous amphibian will soon be hopping into town for his annual display of psychic prowess.
At 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, just after groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicts whether spring will arrive early, Snohomish Slew will issue his own GroundFrog Day frognostication.
A croak says sunny skies are on the way, but silence suggests to keep those winter coats handy another six weeks.
The event kicks off with a proclamation by Mayor John Kartak.
Attendees will also be treated for the first time to a reading of “The Legend of Slew” courtesy of Snohomish librarians.
The 14th annual GroundFrog Day gives kids of all ages the chance to get up close and personal with Slew, who poses for pictures and bestows kisses.
Turning on the charm takes time and training says Slew’s handler Thayer Cueter. In advance of the big day, she acclimatizes the hefty bullfrog to being handled more and to brief outings in the cool winter air.
His training regimen includes sessions in his agility cage and extra helpings of waxworms, Cueter says.
Slew is used to the pampering; the charming croaker even travels with an entourage, explained Chamber of Commerce manager Pam Schilaty.
On GroundFrog Day, Slew will arrive by fire engine, accompanied by “Slew”-curity from the Rat City Roller Derby team, Schilaty said.
Princess Amphibiana plus Kla Ha Ya Days mascots Tad and Lil will be on hand to celebrate with Slew too.
Dancing, games and booths will keep kids hopping after the main event.
At 2:30 p.m. the Snohomish Aquatic Center hosts the Lazy River Frog Race. For $5, people can purchase numbered “racing” frogs with the top three finishers taking home a prize. The ticket revenue helps provide free swim lessons for Snohomish second graders through the Swim for Life program.
All the celebrity hasn’t enabled Slew to quit his day job, though. When he’s not
planting kisses or predictions on adoring crowds, he reverts to a career of public service: Slew is a special guest at schools and libraries, helping students learn about native and nonnative amphibian species and other animal facts.
Just don’t expect to learn his psychic secret at the events, Slew’s keeping his lips sealed on that one.
The prediction takes place at the Avenue A gazebo off of First Street. The Snohomish Aquatic Center is at 516 Maple Ave.
For more information, visit www.snohomishcoc.org/GroundFrog
