News release

Shubenacadie Sam to Make Weather Prediction

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Shubenacadie Sam, the resident seer at Nova Scotia's Provincial Wildlife Park, will be the first groundhog in North America to make his winter weather prediction on Groundhog Day, Saturday, Feb. 2.

Sam, as with all true seers, is ageless. He is a natural weather predictor, requiring little training. He spends the week before Groundhog Day resting and munching on vegetables.

He shares his burrow, which is located at the entrance to the Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie, with several groundhogs. The number of residents vary with the time of year and the number of young born in the spring.

Sam will make his weather prediction at 8 a.m. on Saturday. If he sees his shadow he will run back into his burrow, signifying that winter is here for another six weeks. If he stays out, then spring is just around the corner.

The park will be open on Feb. 2 from 7 a.m to 3 p.m. Shubenacadie Sam will be piped out and greeted by the Town Crier, Tom Gray. Face painting and hot chocolate await all early risers. Warm dress is recommended and all are invited to take part in the celebration.

Through the winter the Wildlife Park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter admission rates are charged.

Several events are planned in the town of Shubenacadie to celebrate Groundhog Day. They are:

  • Lions All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast, Shubenacadie Community Hall 2848 Main St., 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.;

  • United Church Luncheon, United Church Building, Main St., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

  • Watson Smith's Tinsmith Shop and Hardware Store Museum, 2854 Main St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.