{"id":526,"date":"2019-02-20T17:55:06","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T17:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakerlog.lssu.edu\/spring2019\/?p=526"},"modified":"2019-03-01T19:16:54","modified_gmt":"2019-03-01T19:16:54","slug":"snowman-burning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakerlog.lssu.edu\/spring2019\/snowman-burning\/","title":{"rendered":"Snowman Burning"},"content":{"rendered":"

W<\/span>hat a winter! From snowstorms to freezing rain, and hair-raising driving conditions, we\u2019ve run the gamut this year, and are ready for the snow to go! You\u2019re 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 20<\/span>th<\/span> at noon on the South Side of the Cisler Center. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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).<\/span><\/p>\n

President Rodney S. Hanley, who will be emceeing the event said, \u201cEveryone has been looking forward to this unique Laker tradition, which brings the whole community together to banish winter and celebrate spring.\u201d This is President Hanley\u2019s first snowman burning experience since taking the reins as LSSU\u2019s tenth President last year.<\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tom O\u2019Hare, Chief Meteorologist at 9&10 News, will set the snowman ablaze during a live broadcast to formally mark that spring has sprung. He remarked, \u201cAfter a cold winter, I can\u2019t wait to light the snowman and bring some warmth!\u201d O\u2019Hare joined the 9&10 Doppler Weather Team in 2004 and has since been a staple ever since in the Eastern Upper Peninsula\u2019s routine by providing the latest weather news.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year the fun doesn\u2019t end after the snowman burns. The celebration of spring continues with the help of Bird\u2019s 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\u2019s Eye Outfitters are happy to host and offer specials for Lakers. We hope to see you there!<\/span><\/p>\n