The Department of Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations (DHFC) has released the Official Schedule of the 2019 Groundhog Day Celebrations.
At a short press conference this morning, DHFC Director of Public Relations Aintza Kanariar said she was confident that all Park residents would be pleased with the lineup of performers, games, acts, and more that will make up what some in The Park consider the most important event of the year.
“We’ve somehow managed to streamline the event while making it longer,” she laughed, “but there’s no doubt it will be a jam-packed, fun-filled day for all.”
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 2019 “spare,” Signe Klara Woodchuck, would be awakened at the same time as 2019 POPS, Olan Ulick Whistlepig.
“Olan Whistlepig and Signe Woodchuck will be awakened simultaneously, and Signe 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 the controversy over the two comedy sets scheduled and, in a nod to the growing desire among The Park’s population to have a say in all aspects of the celebrations, she announced that a comprehensive survey would be handed out to all celebration attendees.
“We are actively seeking their feedback and any suggestions they might have for the future,” she said.
As for the parade, Kanariar said many might find it leaned toward the nostalgic, but there will be plenty of new floats to combat that view.
The following musicians, among others, will participate in the event:
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.
