The 51st consecutive King Frost Parade begins a new era this year. At last year’s 50th King Frost Parade, M. Domer Leibensperger took the Jaycees’ float for the 32nd and final time as King Frost. Recently the Hamburg Jaycees revealed the identity of the new King Frost, George “Bear” Mitten.
As president of The Windsor Press Inc. and lifelong Jaycee, Mitten is excited to continue the great tradition as the figurehead of the King Frost Parade following a long run by Leibensperger.
“I was shocked, very humbled and extremely honored,” said Mitten on his reactions when he found out.
It was at a Hamburg Jaycees meeting that Mitten was told that he was chosen as the next King Frost. The decision was one that was kept under wraps, much like the Jaycees’ King Frost float, until it was announced on the King Frost Parade Facebook page on Sept. 16.
Never one to want to be the center of attention and in the spotlight, though he is often put into such positions, Mitten admitted that he is nervous and intimidated about his upcoming role. The passing of the crown did come with a little advice as according to Mitten, Leibensperger told him to “be yourself and have fun.”
The community has also shared their congratulations and encouragement with Mitten.
“I have had a lot of congratulatory notes, phone calls and well wishes,” he said. “I thank every one of them.”
Having watched the King Frost Parade from the sidewalk for many years, Mitten enjoys seeing the creativity of the floats and how far the groups travel from every year. This year will be a bit of a different, but exciting experience for him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the parade from a different perspective,” he said.
It was Sept. 16 that Mitten met with Leibensperger, his son Derek the King Frost Parade Chairman, and Hamburg Jaycees President Colleen Witman to put on the King Frost outfit for the first time and be passed the crown from Leibensperger. This was done for the ceremonial “first pin sale of the year.”
Be sure to see Mitten in his first appearance as King Frost on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in Downtown Hamburg.
