Editorial: What’s your Groundhog Day Prediction, A Early Spring or More Winter in the Lakeland?

It feels like it has been Winter for two years in the Lakeland Region, funny because I left the NWT to come here and drove on the lakes up there until June. With that being said, February 2 is Groundhog Day! What’s your prediction?

The Groundhogs prediction will either call for an early spring or more winter in the Lakeland.

This tradition originated in Germany where hedgehogs were used for seasonal predictions. Since hedgehogs are native to the United States, groundhogs took on the role. Groundhog Day started back in the 1880s with the first official celebration on February 2, 1887.

The most famous Groundhog weather forecaster is Punxsutawney Phil, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (PA).

Punxsutawney Phil now makes his big decision in Gobbler’s Knob, PA each year on February 2. If Phil sees his shadow and retreats to his hole, he calls for six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, he expects an early spring. Brilliant!

The Groundhog is not a meteorologist, but why not put our fate in the wretched little creature’s prediction? I mean with the way things are in Canada right now why shouldn’t we listen to the Groundhog?

The truth is, I’m ready for spring already. With the most recent snowstorm, the bite of the Alberta wind makes me think of warmer times on Moose Lake. I guess I’m tired of reporting in the freezing cold, however my bones start to warm up in February because Groundhog day brightens my spirits because I know the end of winter is near. Unless, you’re living in the NWT.

Originally, Groundhog Day was a Celtic festival marking the year’s first cross-quarter day, or a midpoint between seasons. An Irish festival for this Irish Newfie reporting in the Lakeland. Well, I’m ready for mischief-maker nuisance, the Groundhog, to tell me if I have six more weeks of winter or not. To be honest, I don’t think my scraper in my work truck can handle it.

What’s your prediction? Will Lakelander’s be shoveling for six more weeks? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.