PHOTOS: Seattle officially declares 'Jimothy Summer' to honor Internet-famous raccoon

Seattle is making space for a new kind of celebrity. This weekend, city leaders in Ballard officially recognized a local raccoon named Jimothy as a regional icon, declaring 2026 the year of Jimothy Summer. The proclamation followed a gathering where residents celebrated the raccoon, who is known for having short-spine syndrome and becoming an online favorite.

City Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rink and Dan Strauss led the event. Rink poked fun at the situation while reading the official declaration, noting that no trash cans in the neighborhood are safe as long as the raccoon remains on the hunt for food scraps. The event highlighted how a unique local animal captured the attention of people across the country.

Beyond the official government recognition, the celebration included an art competition. Locals displayed paintings and stuffed animals dedicated to the raccoon. The festivities in Ballard served as a reminder of the community's interest in their most unusual local resident. While Seattle is a busy city, its residents still find time to gather for lighthearted events that bring the neighborhood together.

This recognition marks a rare instance where a wild animal has received an official government designation. The event was part of a larger series of summer celebrations in the area. Fans of the raccoon have spent months sharing photos and videos of the animal as it navigates the local streets, turning its distinct physical appearance into a viral phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.