hope Punxsutawney Phil doesn't follow suit...
With near blizzard conditions in Toledo’s forecast, a local groundhog has been grounded.
Wildwood Willie won’t be making his annual appearance Wednesday on Groundhog Day.
Instead, he will be heading back to his hidey hole, spending the holiday in silent slumber.
Wildwood Willie briefly surfaced Tuesday afternoon (reports that he was holding a white “I surrender” flag could not be confirmed). He’s the real deal, but has been dead for years. Traditionally, the stuffed animal pokes his head up and makes a prediction on Groundhog Day during a program at Wildwood Preserve, an event attended by preschoolers. The weather forecast is just too harsh for wee ones to be out and about at the program tomorrow; participants were being notified that the event has been called off.
It’s a fairly safe bet what the prediction would have been, said Scott Carpenter, spokesman for the Toledo Area Metroparks.
“We’re pretty confident guessing the outcome: no shadow," he said. "It’s probably safe to say we will not have much sun at 9 in the morning.”
In Springfield Township, the long-time home of Holland Huckleberry, a toy groundhog will substitute this year for the dearly departed Hucky, beloved pet of Charlie and Terri Hoag. In spite of the winter storm warning, plans are still in place for the Groundhog Day celebration at the Hoags’ home, although memorial services for Hucky, who died last summer, could be postponed until Saturday, depending on the weather.
Hucky was a local celebrity, making Goundhog Day predictions and other public appearances for 10 years.
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Tue, Feb 1, 2011 3:53 PM
Feb 1, 2011 3:53 PM
Feb 1, 2011 3:53pm
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