Sanctuaries in the Snow

The Groundhog Shrine (Aspen Highlands)

The Groundhog Shrine is on Aspen Highlands.  Photos of it are below.

In response to my question as to why the Groundhog Shrine was created, I received this explanation from the creator, in May 2013:  "Why a Groundhog Shrine?  23 years ago, I started celebrating Groundhog Day.  Why?  1.  My birthday is two days later, so it was a way to get the good times rolling.  2.  I was never able to get out a holiday greeting card on time, so this was my way of being on time—I could get out an annual greeting during the quiet lull of late January and be right on time for Feb 2nd.  3.  It is a non-religious holiday that simply celebrates the wisdom of hibernating creatures.  4.  It has not been taken over by Hallmark and there are no traditions you have to follow or foods you have to eat. My kind of holiday!  I made it fun for all my friends with silly contests, sweepstakes, creative challenges and the zaniness continues.  My friends have made groundhog sculptures, costumes, board games, beer taps, clogs, cars, dinners, songs, poems, operas, puppets, pinatas…..incredible.  The fun continues, and we party in the shrine, wearing crazy costumes and "flair", every Feb 2  or Feb 4." 

For more photos of this Shrine, see this Facebook photo album (you do not need a Facebook account to view the album):  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264777586927546.63129.100001859201674&type=1&l=420c84f121

If you have any information about this item that you would like to share for use on this page, please send to the author at AspenShrines@aol.com.

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Sanctuaries in the Snow

The Shrines of Aspen/Snowmass (Including Plaques, Memorials, Displays and miscellaneous items) All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission from the author. For any such permission contact dcwood303@gmail.com

  • David C. Wood
  • AspenShrines@aol.com