Hope the Groundhog to Make Annual Prediction Thursday

In less than 48 hours the Hope Town Square will be abustle with pomp and circumstance as Main Street of Hope in collaboration with Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators presents Hope’s annual Groundhog Day Celebration beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Set to a soundtrack of polka music against the historic backdrop of the Town Square, the annual event is open to all who would like to come out, see a local celebrity and witness presenters dressed in somber, but fun, attire gather around the bandstand as Hope makes her annual prediction of either an early thaw or six more weeks of “Brrr!”.

As for the order of events that morning, it will be business as usual, says Susan Thayer-Fye, event volunteer.

“With the weather we’ve had, I think people always look for an early spring,” Fye says.

Jessica Deckard, of the Yellow Trail Museum, says she’s looking forward to sporting a polka dot walking suit when she greets Hope the Groundhog.

“I am kind of in love with the groundhog,” Deckard says. “Every year I get to pet a groundhog and that isn’t something that gets to happen every day.”

This year marks Hope the Groundhog’s third appearance at the event, Fye adds, since she took over for the late Grubby the Groundhog. Fye says the rapport the community has built with Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators by way of this event has proven a benefit for the nonprofit rescue organization.

Utopia has great love for the town of Hope and Groundhog Day, Fye says.

“They honored the town by naming the baby groundhog Hope,” Fye says. “I hope she is around for a very long time because when she was a baby, she was really cute.”

Fye says Groundhog Day is one of her favorite events because of its nod to history and the theatric ambiance. It is not just the visual aesthetics and tone that set the event’s stage, Fye adds.

Funeral attire with a bump up – like a top hat, walking stick or other prop – is the chosen look for most who attend, Fye says. However, this year will see some pops of color injected in the mix, she adds. Especially with the ladies.

Hope the Groundhog also will be available to meet admirers who would like to snag a selfie with her, Fye says.

Following Hope the Groundhog’s great reveal visitors are invited to gather at WILLow LeaVes of Hope for tasty warm beverages and snacks.

Modeled after the nation’s most notable Groundhog Day event at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, PA, that features Punxsutawney Phil, who has made the annual prediction for more than 130 years, Hope’s Groundhog Day event is the only one of its kind in the area, Fye adds.

Event organizers are hopeful for a great crowd and Fye, who has kept details of her costume hushed, says Thursday’s gathering is a great opportunity to have some quirky fun and socialize.

“It gives people a chance to get out and do something in the winter,” she says. “People talk about what everyone is wearing this year. It is kind of like the Oscars in a small town.”

Fye adds the event itself doesn’t take long – especially if the weather isn’t too cooperative. This year, the shelter house will serve as an alternate location.

Regardless of Mother Nature's mood that morning, Groundhog Day is hands-down a community-building event, Fye says. Rain or shine, the town of Hope turns out to gather and celebrate letting little dampen the excitement.

“I think Groundhog Day supports that culture and welcoming feel,” Fye says. “We put our arms out, welcome people and show them who we are and that we like to have fun.”