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Melanie Andrews holds Sunset Sam, a Guinea Pig, while they wait for the sun to go down in Sunset Thursday, February 2, 2006. The legend holds that if Sunset Sam sees a sunset, then there are 6 more days of winter.--PHOTO BY MATTHEW HATFIElD

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PHOTO BY ROBERT JOHNSON --- Melanie Andrews, 13 of Sunset holds guinnea pig "Sunset Sam" as Robert Adams, 2 pets the rodent that has the ability to predict the duration winter in Sunset City Saturday, Febraury 2, 2002.

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SUNSET — Although the annual event changed days and lost a mascot, Sunset Sam’s Winterfest was a success. But residents want to keep the guinea pig tradition alive.

The city did not plan the event for Goundhog Day this year, because Goundhog Day fell on Superbowl Sunday. Organizers weren’t planning on their usual guinea pig mascot, but when residents heard about the change, they quickly stepped up.

The daughter of Sunset resident Brent Andrews, who originally spearheaded the event, brought her guinea pig for the celebration.

“Andrews walked around with her guinea pig, letting the children pet it, but he didn’t do a prediction,” said Joe Maylin, recreation director of Sunset City.

“The Pearson family heard our plight,” city council member Ryan Furniss said. “They told me, ‘We have four guinea pigs, they are a whole family of guinea pigs, and we would be happy to let the city use them at the next Sunset Sam’s Winterfest.'”

“I was impressed with what was done. It was suggested that we move it to another day, but I encourage you not to let the tradition die. Keep the guinea pig day alive. Don’t let it die,” Sunset resident Chad Bangerter said. “Brent Andrews started it because of a tragedy in his life — he lost his little boy. It’s like a slap in the face to him if you let the tradition die.”

Maylin believes a compromise can be made.

“Next year Goundhog Day falls on a Monday, but we want to try to keep it early on a Saturday … “We’re not against incorporating the guinea pig back into it somehow. Maybe we’ll be creative and figure out a way for the guinea pig to do a prediction, even if it’s not on Groundhog Day.”

Council member Trystal Peay said this year’s festival “had an awesome turnout,” even without the guinea pig mascot.

“Thanks to the police and fire department and Joe Maylin and his crew,” Peay said. “We’d like to see more residents get involved in the planning next year.

“The kids had an awesome time with the snow painting. Sled pulling with an ATV was fun. We had to shoo the kids away when it was time to end.”