A large crowd is expected to celebrate a centuries-old weather forecasting tradition with Nova Scotia’s famous groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m. at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park.
Starting at 7 a.m. those attending the Groundhog Day ceremony can enter the park for fun activities and displays prior to Sam’s prediction.
A bagpiper, a town crier and Minister of Natural Resources, Lloyd Hines will summon Sam fans to find out if the furry forecaster sees his shadow. Legend says a shadow means winter will stretch for six more weeks. No shadow means an early spring.
Visitors to Sam’s prediction party can enjoy free hot drinks, crafts, face painting and games.
Feb. 2 is also World Wetlands Day. There will be displays and experts on hand from the Clean Foundation; the departments of Natural Resources, Environment, and Agriculture; Ducks Unlimited; Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources; and the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Those unable to attend can view the event via the Sam Cam at http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/en/webcams/shubenacadie-sam/ .
The best times to view Sam prior to his big party are 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., as park staff feed and interact with him. Sam is also on Twitter via @ShubenacadieSam .
The full park will be open on Groundhog Day until 1 p.m. Normally during the winter the park is open on weekends only. Directions to the park and park hours are online at http://wildlifepark.novascotia.ca/find_us.asp .
Source: Release