Groundhog Day

The caution tape may still be up around the square, but that won't stop Main Street from hosting their popular Groundhog Day event.  Susan Thayer Fye of Main Street is pleased to announce this year's festivities will be live streamed from Utopia.  She feels the event is just too popular, and means to much to Hope to cancel it completely.  She is sure local businesses will miss it too, as well as the TV crews and spectators the annual event brings to our small downtown.  The event drew visitors from as far away as Pennsylvania one year.  Both Willow Leaves of Hope and the United Methodist Church have hosted receptions before or after the ceremony in years past.  

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the only allowed attendees will be Utopia staff, Main Street of Hope members and news crews.  The format will be similar to years past, with local dignitaries in costume reading from a prepared script.  Grubby will be present, and a groundhog in training, Hope, waits in the wings to take over if Grubby is unable to perform her duties.  She is reaching quite an advanced age for a groundhog.  Previous cast members Doc Sweet and Charles Baker will be sorely missed this year.  No one brought the pomp and circumstance quite like Chuck Baker.  

The event will be live streamed from Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators. You can watch beginning at 8:30 am on February second at Utopia's Facebook page.