Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Livingston County's resident weather-guessing woodchuck will take center stage this weekend for her 27th Groundhog Day prediction.

A ceremony and events are planned this Sunday, February 2nd to see if Woody from the Howell Conference & Nature Center will see her shadow or embrace the possibility of an early spring.

Sunday’s festivities start at 7:30am with light refreshments in Pineview Lodge. There’s the popular Groundhog Day costume contest and people are encouraged to come dressed up as winter, spring, a groundhog or whatever they see fit. The winner will receive a $25 gift card to the Center.

There’s also games and always an educational piece in that the Center uses Groundhog Day as an opportunity to educate the public about groundhogs and how they are a very valuable part of the ecosystem in Michigan.

Woody will make her prediction at 8:30am sharp.

Chief Executive Officer Tina Bruce told WHMI Woody will be released from her burrow and if she stays outside for 30-seconds or more, then spring will come early. If she goes back into her burrow within the 30-seconds, it means six more weeks of winter.

While Woody has a much better accuracy rate than her Pennsylvania rival, Punxsutawney Phil, she did have an incorrect prediction last year. Bruce said Woody’s accuracy rate is around 66%, taking last year into account.

As to how they determine if spring comes early or not; Bruce said between February 2nd and March 20th if there were more days over 40-degrees, then it’s considered spring came early.

The Groundhog Day Celebration is a free event geared toward all ages but people are asked to pre-register for breakfast planning. Bruce noted they already had an overwhelming registration of around 300 people as of Thursday afternoon. Those planning to attend should arrive a little bit early as parking could pose some challenges.

A link to register is provided.