SUNSET — For the first time in 20 years, Sunset Sam’s Winterfest will take place without the prediction of an early spring or a longer winter from a guinea pig named Sunset Sam.

Sunset Sam’s Winterfest is an event that has a lot of history behind it.

Since its inception in 1994, the event has been held on Groundhog Day, centered around a guinea pig named Sam, who would make a prediction of an early spring or a longer winter, said Joe Malan, recreation supervisor of Sunset City.

The event was the brainchild of Sunset residents Brent and Susan Andrews, who had lost a child and started the tradition. Their 3-year-old son Jeremy was killed when a pickup truck hit him while he was riding his bicycle. He was the youngest of the couple’s six children.

The event was a comfort to the Andrews family, and a celebration of the life of their child.

A few years ago, Sunset City took it over and turned it into a winter festival with expanded activities. According to Malan, the event has used different guinea pigs acting the part of “Sunset Sam.” The city has had the same guinea pig the past four years. However the latest Sunset Sam died.

Now the city has decided to alter the event so officials have more flexibility on scheduling, especially since Ground Hog Day this year falls on Super Bowl Sunday.

“We want to keep the history alive but change it so that we can do it on any day,” Malan said. “I feel like we can still draw people out without the prediction from the guinea pig. That’s why we have kept his name in it, to represent the history.”

The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 1 beginning at noon at the Sunset City offices, 200 W. 1300 North. It is open to the public.

The festival will include a chili cook-off. Those who would like to sample the chili may do so. There will also be free doughnuts and hot chocolate.

“Anyone can show up with a pot of chili,” Malan said. “They don’t need to feel like they have to sign up.”

There will be plaques for first, second, and third place and a People’s Choice award for the chili cook-off. There will also be a snow painting contest where participants can paint wintery drawings or whatever they want. The winners of the snow painting will receive prizes in the spirit of the Olympics — Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

Malan said the main purpose of the festival is to get families to come out and do things together.

Anyone with questions can contact Malan at (801) 614-9105.