News release

Short Winter, Long Winter? All Eyes On Sam

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

It's likely that Nova Scotians will be humming Here Comes the Sun at 8 a.m., on Sunday, Feb. 2., if Shubenacadie Sam forecasts an early end to winter.

But, according to folklore, if Sam sees his shadow, winter will be here for another six weeks. Given Nova Scotia's winter so far, with rapid temperature changes and storms, many people are ready to put away their shovels and snowblowers.

"Thanks to our position on the continent, the world will hear Sam's prediction an hour before his Ontario and American cousins emerge into the dawn light," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill. "We have lots of activities planned for the Wildlife Park and I invite all of Sam's fans to join us there."

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park visitors can enjoy free hot drinks along with snowshoeing, crafts, face painting and a 10 a.m. guided wetlands walk, because Feb. 2 is also World Wetlands Day. Local performers The Alternators will be playing at 10 a.m. There is no admission, but donations for Feed Nova Scotia are encouraged.

Ducks Unlimited, Clean Nova Scotia, the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources will attend.

A celebration breakfast will be served at the Shubenacadie Legion, 42 Mill Village Rd., between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., co-sponsored by the Lions Club. Cost is $7 per person, free for children younger than 5. There's also a $25 family rate.

With the Sochi Olympics starting later in the week, Shubenacadie's bronze medalist rower, Tracy Cameron, will be a special guest at the Wildlife Park and the celebration breakfast.

The Tin Shop Museum will be open from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the movie Groundhog Day will be shown at the Shubenacadie Community Hall, 2484 Main St., at 1 p.m.

For more information on events, visit www.wildlifepark.novascotia.ca and www.shubie.ca .