Groundhog Day 2017: Manchester, Chuckles Ready for the Big Prediction

MANCHESTER, CT — Thursday is Groundhog Day, and you know what that means — the state groundhog, from her home in Manchester, is ready to to predict whether we have an extended winter or an early spring.

And the Lutz Children’s Museum the home of Chuckles, the official Connecticut state groundhog, is already making preparations for the always-colorful event.

Hundreds of dedicated fans gather at the museum each year on Groundhog Day to hear her prediction and in 2017, the Lutz will open to the public at 6 a.m. on Groundhog Day (Feb. 2).

Coffee and breakfast foods will be served while everyone awaits the arrival of Chuckles, scheduled for 6:45 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Chuckles, officially “Connecticut Chuckles VIII” is approximately 5 years old. She has lived at the Lutz Children’s Museum since she was discovered injured and orphaned as a baby. Her doctor determined that she would not be able to survive in the wild, opening the door to a new career in meteorology.

The Lutz Children’s Museum at 247 South Main Street is a non-profit organization that has been offering educational programs for young children since 1953. Learn more about the museum at our website www.lutzmuseum.org.

Folklore has it that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2 and does not see its shadow, then spring will come early that year. If the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will continue for another six weeks.

Oh, the forecast for Thursday is mostly sunny, temps in the mid to upper 30s.

Patch File Photo