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Annual Snowman Burning at LSSU postponed due to winds in forecast

'Safe and educational' bid to banish flakes with flames delayed one week
20250319snowmanburnlssu
This year’s theme, From Flakes to Flames, captures the harshness of the season and the community’s readiness for renewal, the university says.

NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
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Lake Superior State University’s iconic tradition, the 54th Annual Snowman Burning, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 20, has been postponed to Thursday, March 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the North Lawn beyond the Cisler Patio, due to high winds in the forecast.

This delay is a testament to the relentless grip of winter this year!

With 183.7 inches of snowfall so far, and now strong seasonal winds, it seems winter is determined to leave its mark—but Lake State is equally determined to burn away all things winter and welcome spring in fiery style!

This year’s theme, From Flakes to Flames, captures both the harshness of the season and the community’s readiness for renewal.

LSSU President Dr. David Travis, reflecting on the record snow, shared, “When I first arrived at LSSU, I was unsure about the Burning of the Snowman tradition, but now, after spending my first winter here, one with record snow, I'm wholeheartedly embracing it!”

The event will feature remarks from Dr. Jamie Zamjahn, interim vice president for enrollment management and student success, performances by Art Club Writing Contest winners, and an announcement by Kiley Hoff, Inter-Greek Council (IGC) President.

The evening culminates with the symbolic burning of the snowman, a tradition started in 1971 by the Unicorn Hunters, a student group that believed the ritual would ward off lingering winter storms. With this winter’s persistence, we’re counting on it more than ever.

LSSU Fire Science students, alongside the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department will ensure a safe and educational experience during the burn. Afterward, attendees are invited to continue the celebration with live music by the Seth Brown Duo and complimentary food in the Galley.

Event Details:
54th Annual Snowman Burning
New Date & Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: North Lawn, beyond the Cisler Patio

Don’t miss this fiery farewell to winter—a week later, but with even more anticipation to banish the flakes with flames!

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