What a winter! From snowstorms to freezing rain, and hair-raising driving conditions, we’ve run the gamut this year, and are ready for the snow to go! You’re invited to help us banish Old Man Winter at the 49th annual Snowman Burning. Join fellow alumni, students, faculty, and community members to welcome the first day of spring Wednesday, March 20th at noon on the South Side of the Cisler Center.
In true Laker fashion, this event is jam packed with family friendly FUN, so bring your little Lakers to experience something uniquely LSSU. The time-honored tradition kicks off spring with free food (courtesy of Jimmy John’s), beverages (courtesy of the Native American Center), music, poetry, and of course, the burning snowman. Don’t forget the early bird gets the worm, or in this case flower – arrive early to receive a daffodil, given out to the first 200 spectators (courtesy of Co-Ed Flowers).
President Rodney S. Hanley, who will be emceeing the event said, “Everyone has been looking forward to this unique Laker tradition, which brings the whole community together to banish winter and celebrate spring.” This is President Hanley’s first snowman burning experience since taking the reins as LSSU’s tenth President last year.
The poetry contest is back by popular demand, this year with a new twist, spring-themed haiku poems! Submit your haiku for judging online at lssu.edu/snowman-burning. Winners will receive some sweet Laker swag, be encouraged to read their haiku before the snowman burns, and potentially be published in an upcoming Laker Log too. The contest closes March 15.
Tom O’Hare, Chief Meteorologist at 9&10 News, will set the snowman ablaze during a live broadcast to formally mark that spring has sprung. He remarked, “After a cold winter, I can’t wait to light the snowman and bring some warmth!” O’Hare joined the 9&10 Doppler Weather Team in 2004 and has since been a staple ever since in the Eastern Upper Peninsula’s routine by providing the latest weather news.
This year the fun doesn’t end after the snowman burns. The celebration of spring continues with the help of Bird’s Eye Outfitters. An after-party, complete with a mini snowman burning, s’mores, and a hot cocoa bar, begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Ken and Wilda Hopper, owners of Bird’s Eye Outfitters are happy to host and offer specials for Lakers. We hope to see you there!
While you attended LSSU, did you ever help build a snowman for burning? Perhaps you met your best friend, or even the love of your life, at this treasured event? If you have a fond memory of a Snowman Burning, we’d love to hear about it! Share your stories with us on social media, or by emailing [email protected].
About the Author
Stephanie RooseMarketing Content Coordinator
Stephanie Roose graduated in 2009 with a BA from Lake Superior State University and has since been working in sales, marketing, and public relations. Roose relocated back home to Sault Ste. Marie, joining the LSSU Marketing and Communications team in January.