News release

Shubenacadie Sam to Make Annual Weather Prediction

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Shubenacadie Sam's prognosticating prowess will be tested at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

According to tradition, if Sam sees his shadow on Groundhog Day and hurries back into his home, Nova Scotia will have six more weeks of winter. If he stays outside, an early spring is on the way.

The province's time zone enables Sam to be the first groundhog to make an annual weather prediction in North America.

"We're proud to say North Americans will get the first weather report right here in Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. "This year is extra special as it will mark the silver anniversary of this event."

A bag piper and town crier will try to lure Sam out of his lair for the prediction at 8 a.m. The celebration starts at 7 a.m. at the Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre with face painting and crafts.

Groundhog Day is a North American tradition that has its roots in the Candlemas celebrations of Europe. Germans 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. An outdoors enthusiast, Shubenacadie Sam will help Ducks Unlimited Canada and Clean Nova Scotia promote the stewardship of natural areas as part of the day's festivities.

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