Despite chilly weather, sixth annual Marmot Fest is a success

A life-size marmot relaxed on a picnic table at Staunton State Park last weekend, taking a break from the craziness of the sixth annual Marmot Fest.


“Our marmot is getting tired,” volunteer Elaine Rideout joked.

Despite his fluffy costume, 8-year-old Cohen Thran, whose grandmother is longtime Staunton volunteer Annie Thran, said he prefers dogs to marmots. However, he and his sister Kai had a great time at Marmot Fest and helped the volunteers with several of the activities.

The two-day festival is an ode to the adorable rodent, known by many as the whistling pig because of its high-pitched whistle. The event, held annually at Staunton, features rock climbing, burrow crawling, puppets, games, marmot scoping, guided hikes and an art show.

Subscribe and read more here: www.canyoncourier.com/content/despite-ch...-marmot-fest-success
By Deborah Swearingen
Tuesday, June 25, 2019