The Department of Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations (DHFC) has released the Official Schedule of the 2020 Groundhog Day Celebrations.
At a short press conference this morning, DHFC Director of Public Relations Aintza Kanariar said she was confident that this year’s lineup of performers, games, acts, and more will “more than please” Park residents.
“We’ve put together a very celebratory, yet serious event for what some consider to be the most important holiday of the year,” Kanariar said.
While the events will span the weekend, the official schedule is only for February 2, and only for those events that will take place at the Ancient Open-Air Theatre. Other venues, including The Burrow Theatre, The New Harmony Theatre, and The Howler Comedy Club, will announce their schedules separately.
Kanariar confirmed that the 2km tunnel race would go ahead as usual, but said nothing about it being broadcast. She would not comment on speculation that one of The Park’s technology companies was planning to livestream the event.
Kanariar also confirmed that, as happened last year, 2020 “spare,” Hannu Metsämurmeli, will be awakened at the same time as 2020 POPS, Ermentrude Murmeltier.
“Ermentrude and Hannu will be awakened simultaneously, and Hannu will be acknowledged during the post-prognostication ceremony. We want her to know we appreciate her contribution and her commitment to The Park,” Kanariar said.
Kanariar acknowledged last year’s the controversy over the two comedy sets that were scheduled. The results of a survey that she handed out to all attendees last year indicated that while Park Animals love their comedy and their comedians, they didn’t think that comedy sets were necessarily appropriate for Groundhog Day. As a result, the Department compromised and this year’s schedule includes only one short comedy set, by the University of West Terrier’s Official Comedian, Woodruff Dalmatio
Kanariar also noted, with pride, that this is the first year that the Working Wounded Performing Arts Company has made it into the official schedule.
The following musicians, among others, will participate in the event:
Polar Opposites
The Feral Four
The Canary Cousins
Spontaneous Generation
Les Chiens Débraillés
SCENTient Beings
Jargonhead
Persistent Sisters
The Cynics
Will.o.be
Memes of Production
Last Stand
Eggie and The Pigs
ZEAL
Inktvis and Krake
The All-Rodent Marching Band
The DomEstyx
The Beasts of Burden
BHR (Big Hearts Rule) formerly NIML (Not In My Lifetime)
Fish Rap
As is always the case, one of the most important aspects of the Groundhog Day celebrations will be the food. Renowned Chef Tab Triolore will reprise his “feral buffet” and supply delicious non-perishables from his grassRoutes restaurant. Other food purveyors include The Battering Ram Café, The Compost Heap, The Broop ‘n Miaow, The Draft, The Pound Gastropub, and The Cackling Goose Tavern. Mikko Tikkeri’s The Feeding Station will serve a full breakfast just after the Archons’ Address. Ants in Your Pantry and Provisions by Petrounel will send all attendees home with tasty party favours.
And, again, this year, food will be served for twenty-four hours straight.
“We’re going through from eight in the morning on the second [of February] until eight in the morning on the third,” Kanariar said.
And, don’t forget: the events will be covered live by Mammalian Daily reporters here on Twitter.
