Seasonal & Holidays

Essex Ed Prepared For Groundhog Day 2017 At N.J. Turtle Back Zoo

Essex County's resident groundhog prognosticator will also predict the winner of Super Bowl 51.

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Getting tired of the winter weather, Essex County? Maybe the county’s resident prognosticator, Essex Ed, will have some good news for you on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2.

This year, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo will host its annual Groundhog Day prediction event at the West Orange facility. The event, which is included with regular zoo admission, will include Ed’s annual weather forecast, and well as his annual Super Bowl winner prediction.

“According to folklore, if it is cloudy when the groundhog emerges from its burrow, winter-like weather will soon end,” county officials stated. “If it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, winter weather will continue for six more weeks.”

Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The public is welcome to the Groundhog Day prediction, which takes place at 11 a.m. at the new education building at the Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange.

Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Essex Ed, Patch file photo

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.