Last year, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, there was an unfortunate incident on Groundhog's Day when Jimmy the Groundhog took a chomp on the ear of Republican Mayor Jonathan Freund.

Freund, being a typical Wisconsin Republican, sent the groundhog gestapo after him and found he didn't have the proper papers. Jimmy's handlers released Jimmy back to the wild where he went underground. (Get it? Groundhog...underground...burrowing animal....)

But the town leaders obviously didn't think this one through and, according to the town's Facebook page, have reached the desperation point in trying to replace Jimmy:

Help Save Sun Prairie’s Groundhog Day Celebration!

Downtown Sun Prairie is urgently searching for a Jimmy the Groundhog understudy for the 2016 Groundhog Day Prognostication! Are you able to help fill the gap in this year’s ceremony? Can you sense the subtle changes of the seasons? Could you stand in for Jimmy during the 2016 Groundhog Day Prognostication Celebration at Sunrise on Tuesday, February 2 in Cannery Square, Sun Prairie, WI? Do you love crowds? Then you could be just who we are looking for!

We are seeking entries into our Jimmy for the Day Contest of children, domesticated animals, or adults in Groundhog attire, who are willing stand in for Jimmy the Groundhog during our 2016 ceremony. To enter please submit a photo of the contestant (in groundhog costume preferred,) city of residence, and name to downtown@sunprairie.com with a brief description of the contestants weather predicting experience and abilities, by January 25. The top ten entries will be posted on the www.facebook.com/SunprairieBID Facebook page for voting by the public.

Submissions to the email address are considered permission to post photos online for the contest and Groundhog Day promotions. Finalists will be selected based on the Jimmy the Groundhog qualities of adorableness, weather savvy, and ability to perform to the crowds.
The contest winner will be a special guest at the 2016 ceremony, and receive a Jimmy the Groundhog understudy grand prize basket filled with goodies from Downtown Sun Prairie Businesses!

Too bad it's not Weasel's Day. Then they could have invited Scott Walker.