Grubby to search for her shadow again Saturday

Spring is just around the corner. Or is it?

Residents are invited to come celebrate Groundhog Day this weekend with local celebrity, Grubby, the woodchuck on the Hope Town Square.

The annual Groundhog Day event will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday near the bandstand.

For the fourth year, Grubby will make her prediction of whether Old Man Winter will stick around for six more weeks or if spring is on its way.

“Her prediction has been spot on every time,” says Susan Thayer-Fye, executive director of Main Street of Hope.

Grubby, who lives at UTOPIA Wildlife Rehabilitators, will make her appearance at the event with caretaker Kathy Hershey, president of UTOPIA Wildlife Rehabilitators.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before the event that will start promptly, Fye says.

This year’s event also marks the first of what may become a new tradition, Fye says.

Hope resident, Jessica Brown, will be the first woman to accompany Grubby and her traditionally male entourage and Brown couldn’t be more excited.

Brown normally takes pictures when she attends the event, but this year she will be donning a Victorian dress as she accompanies Grubby.

“It’s always been kind of a boys’ club up there with their top hats,” Brown says. “I’m a little excited I’m going to be infiltrating that this year.”

The event will take place regardless of weather, Fye says, but organizers are hoping for warmer temperatures in the wake of the area’s arctic blast this week. Saturday’s forecasted 32 degrees for that morning will likely feel like a heatwave considering last year’s event was met with 11 degrees and cloudy skies.

Spectators should expect to be outside no longer than 30 minutes for Grubby’s introduction and prediction, Fye says.

“I think it is a really just a neat occasion for people to come together,” Brown says. “And it showcases UTOPIA.”

Following the event, Grubby may make an appearance at WILLow LeaVes of Hope to greet residents as she has done in years past, Fye says.
The Hope Volunteer Fire Department will also offer a free-will offering pancake breakfast at the new fire station on Aiken Street.