The biggest party of the winter season, Burning Snowman 2020 will take over Waterworks Park in downtown Port Clinton on Feb. 29, a Leap Year celebration.

Snowman moves to new site for Feb. 29 celebration

BY D’ARCY EGAN

Burning Snowman 2020, the unmistakable sign winter may be wandering off some time soon is just around the corner, and with a few notable changes.

This year’s 6th annual Burning Snowman Fest will change locations, moving to Waterworks Park in downtown Port Clinton for the big bash, that lures thousands to a rowdy flameout of the rather large snowman. And the date can’t be duplicated for the next four years, with the Leap Year burn set for Saturday, Feb. 29.

The Burning Snowman Fest committee has selected a new name each year for the huge snowman name. This year’s Burning Snowman is Tim, reports snowman builder Lenny Kromer, following in the footsteps of Norman, Charlie, Harold, Floyd and Virgil.

The flames will reach for the sky at 7:30 p.m., if Mother Nature cooperates. As usual, the Port Clinton Fire Department will be on hand to make sure everything goes well.

The narrow beach at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grill and Dock’s Beach House, just west of the Portage River Bridge, kept the Port Clinton Fire Department on its toes. Moving to Waterworks Park will allow more space for the flames, the crowds of revelers, and is part of the MORA open container zone.

There will be more flames this year, with the Ohio Burn Unit becoming the new fire sponsor of the event. It will bring fire breathers, fire jugglers, stilt walkers and plenty of surprises to Burning Snowman Fest.

Round trip shuttles will also make it easier for festival fans to sample the area pubs and taverns. The free shuttles will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 10 p.m., making stops at Cleats, Catawba island Brewery, Twin Oast, 1812 Food & Spirits, Slaters Madison Street Pub, Beer Thirty’s, Silver Top Sports Bar, Bell Mell Tavern.