Will Woody The Groundhog See His Shadow This February 2nd?

We have had an interesting winter to say the least, but what Woody the Groundhog predict about the arrival of spring?

We all know about Punxsutawnay Phil, but did you know Michigan has 'Woody the Groundhog'? That's right! At the Howell Nature Center on February 2nd Woody the Groundhog will make his prediction if winter will last or fade away!

History.com explains the rich history of Groundhog Day...

"Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal–the hedgehog–as a means of predicting weather. Once they came to America, German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State."

 

Howellnaturecenter.org Released Their Schedule For Woody The Groundhog's Big Day This February 2nd...

7:00 a.m. Complimentary Continental Breakfast

7:45 a.m. Celebration Begins

7:55 a.m. Remarks by CEO Dick Grant and Wildlife Director Dana DeBenham and costume contest drawing-Hey, Kids! Dress in a costume representing your hopes for an early spring or six more weeks of wintry fun! Everyone in costume will be entered in a drawing for a FREE Week of Summer Day Camp at Howell Nature Center!

8:15 a.m. Woody’s Prediction

Interesting Facts About Groundhogs Day...

• The first 'Groundhogs Day' was celebrated in 1887 at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania.
• Groundhogs are also called Woodchucks.
• A Groundhog weighs between 12 and 15 pounds.
• A Groundhog lives for six to eight years.
• When a Groundhog is scared they whistle.
• A Groundhogs diet consists of vegetables and fruit.
• Not only can a Groundhog climb trees but they can swim.
• The Groundhog goes into hibernation in the late fall.
• The male Groundhog will emerge in February to look for a mate.

Other Famous Groundhogs...

• Birmingham Bill
• Staten Island Chuck
• Shubenacadie Sam (Canada)
• Woody the Groundhog (Michigan).

Wikipedia Listed A Few Poems Written About The Famous Groundhog Day...

From England...

"If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again."

From Scotland...

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
There'll be two winters in the year.

From Germany...

"For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until May.
For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day,
So far will the sun shine before May"

Not only is Punxsutawney Phil a staple for every news outlet in the United States, he has a three day celebration put on by the 'Punxsutawney Groundhog Club' (no word on the cost of a membership).

For me though, I will take Woody over Phil any day!