In Alaska, it’s time to retire Punxsutawney Phil.

Make way for Matanuska Molly. Or Hatcher Pass Pete. Or whatever you want to call our soon-to-be famous marmot.

While many people want to know whether the ubiquitous Pennsylvania groundhog sees his shadow on Tuesday, Alaskans know we’re in for six more weeks of winter (plus a few extra). We don’t need an Outside rodent to tell us that.

So, we’ll be celebrating the first-ever in Alaska Marmot Day on Tuesday.

That’s right, we don’t have groundhogs, so we’re not falling for all the hoopla. We have our own ground squirrels, and we’re proud.

Alaska’s Marmot Day got its start last year when Sen. Lisa Menard, R-Wasilla, introduced a bill to create a special day for one of Alaska’s special critters. The bill was signed last April and we’ve been awaiting the arrival of Feb. 2 for too long.

It’s time for marmot-lovers to unite. (And we won’t foolishly expect our rodent to predict the weather like those Outside.)

Below is Menard’s sponsor statement for the Marmot Day bill:

“Senate Bill 58, an act establishing February 2nd of each year as Marmot Day, will create a localized, Alaska version of Groundhog Day.

“While many people in the Lower 48 spend every February 2nd honoring Punxsutawney Phil, or some other incarnation of the famous groundhog, Alaska residents don’t have the same representation.

“The Marmot Day bill (SB 58) solves that, giving school children, public institutions and even adults the opportunity to use a local hire (the marmot) as their symbol.

“Marmot Day can be celebrated in myriad ways, from special events at the Alaska Zoo to school celebrations with an educational angle so children can learn more about Alaska’s furry ground squirrel.

“Already, the Marmot Day bill has received support from the Alaska Zoo and the Mat-Su Borough School District.

“I hope you will also support the Marmot Day bill.”

So there you have it, tomorrow’s our first Marmot Day. I’m not quite sure how to celebrate just yet, but I’ll figure something out.

-- Steve