Crazy for Groundhog Day!

By JENNA RHUDE

Moapa Valley Progress

Groundhog Day, occurring on February 2, is a holiday overlooked by most. But Ron Prettyman and Dorothy Diamond of Logandale recognize it as their favorite holiday.
The couple considers Groundhog Day so special that they begin celebrating it at Thanksgiving.

“Groundhog Day is so big, it’s the peak of the holiday season,” Prettyman said. “You have to start with Thanksgiving, peak on February 2 and end with Valentine’s Day.”
The front of their house boasts decorations that rival many Christmas light displays. Visitors are greeted by festive lights and a friendly groundhog likeness.

Prettyman and his wife moved to Moapa Valley six years ago from Superior, Wyoming. While in Wyoming they owned a bar and their biggest celebration of the year was always on February 2.
“We have been honoring Groundhog Day for about 20 years, but it became a huge celebration for us 15 years ago,” Prettyman said.

“For me, everyday is Groundhog Day,” Prettman said with a smile. “Life is a reason to celebrate, enjoy your friends. We have friends that come from as far as Canada. They come to this Valley for winter and come to celebrate with us.”

Rocky Watson was on hand to perform and entertain the group of friends as they gathered this year for their Groundhog Day festivities. “One thing about partying at our age, we start at one in the afternoon and we’re done by 6 p.m. We really know how to party,” Prettyman joked.

He said that he enjoys being unique. “Everyone has to have their something,” Prettyman said. Well this is my something!”

The wet weather this year definitely played a part in the 2019 festivities.
“With it raining we are only capable of accommodating around 40 people,” Prettyman said. “On good weather years we have around 100. It’s a good party.”

Prettyman and Diamond love getting together with friends. Especially their seasonal friends who are only around for the winter.
“Groundhog Day was originally a celebration of the light coming back, this is what we do to celebrate and welcome our friends back,” Prettyman said.

While they had a minimal turnout for the early morning 6:15 a.m. sunrise celebration, the couple had an ample turnout for the evening festivities and fun was had by everyone.