Shubenacadie Sam to Make Annual Weather Prediction

Shubenacadie Sam, Nova Scotia's weather predicting groundhog, will host his annual party at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park on Monday, Feb. 2.

Thanks to the province's time zone, Sam is the first groundhog to make his prediction in North America each year. If Sam sees his shadow on Groundhog Day and runs back into his burrow, Nova Scotia is set for six more weeks of winter. If he stays out, spring is just around the corner.

"Once again, Shubenacadie Sam is ready to give us the prediction we wait for all winter long," said Natural Resources Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. "Let's just hope he gives us the answer we all want to hear."

A bag piper and town crier will herald Sam out of his house for the prediction at 8 a.m. The centre will be open at 7 a.m., where there will be face painting and crafts until noon.

Groundhog Day is a North American tradition that has its roots in the Candlemas celebrations of Europe. Germans first used hedgehogs to predict whether they would have six more weeks of winter or an early spring. German settlers brought the tradition to Pennsylvania in the 18th Century, and began to use groundhogs instead of hedgehogs.

Feb. 2 is also World Wetlands Day. As a nature lover, Shubenacadie Sam will help Ducks Unlimited Canada promote the stewardship of natural areas as part of the day's festivities.

All activities are free to the public and run until noon.