Thayer Cueter, who takes care of local celebrity Snohomish Slew, announces his “frognostication” at the 2016 GroundFrog Day. The 15th annual chamber event will be Saturday, Feb. 1.
Doug Ramsay
SNOHOMISH — Shhhh, listen. A croak means warmth is coming. Silence means bundle up for six more weeks of chilly weather.
The city’s 15th annual GroundFrog Day Saturday, Feb. 1 features celebrity frog Snohomish Slew, who is ready to tell it like it is. Or say nothing. Show up to find out what weather to expect.
The city’s West Coast version of Groundhog Day is from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Avenue A and First Street at the Gazebo, in downtown Snohomish. Slew will continue his outstanding record of predicting the timing of spring.
“The beauty of this event is it really attracts the young families,” said Pam Schilaty, president of the city’s chamber of commerce, which puts on the event.
She said the kids who like frogs are right around the ages of 4 to 8, creating a multi-generational effect. School-aged kids tend to draw in both parents and grandparents.
The 90-minute event will kick off with a proclamation by Mayor John Kartak. Then the event resumes with its usual appearances from Slew’s Kla Ha Ya Days mascot friends, Tad and Lil, as well as games, crafts and lots of dancing. Snohomish Fire District 4 will deliver Slew while fans explore one of the fire engines, and take a moment to meet Snohomish Slew up close and personal.
Kids’ activity booths are staffed by GroundFrog Day sponsors and local nonprofits, for a crowd that averages about 300 people. Interestingly enough, the size of the crowd tends to change with the weather.
Attendees will also be treated for the first time to a reading of “The Legend of Slew” courtesy of Snohomish librarians.
And to alleviate the let-down when GroundFrog Day festivities end:
A short drive away is the “Lazy River Frog Race” at the Snohomish Aquatic Center, located at 516 Maple Ave. The race begins at 2:30 p.m., and for a $5 donation, fans can race a numbered toy frog. Prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners. Plan ahead: tickets are available now at the Aquatic Center or at a booth during GroundFrog Day. The frog race benefits Swim for Life, a nonprofit that offers swim lessons to kids whose families have economic challenges.
Snohomish Slew will be staying around downtown to celebrate the 15th annual event with a get-together that starts at 2:30 p.m. at Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse, 1114 First St. All ages are welcome.
Frog Race winning prizes:
• 1st place: $100 Gift Certificate to Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse Restaurant
• 2nd place: $50 Gift Card from Brava’s Pizza and Pasta
• 3rd place: A 10 Session Punch Pass to the Aquatic Center
Information on Swim for Life is at www.swimforlifesnohomish.org
