Hope the Hoosier groundhog declares early spring at holiday ceremony

Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous weather predicting groundhog in the United States, but he has some furry competition in Hope, Indiana.

“This event is a really good fit for Hope, because it’s part history,” said Susan Frye, one of the event’s organizers. “Hope is quirky. You fit in really well if you’re quirky. This is one of the most
quirky events I know.”

Hope, the successor of Grubby the Groundhog, did not see her shadow Friday morning, declaring an early spring.

The ceremony began with a command from one of Hope’s Helpers: “Awake from your slumber and tell us the news. If your shadow you see, six more weeks of the blues. If no shadow in sight, then we shall rejoice. Spring will be soon. Oh, tell us your choice.”

Hope’s Helpers dressed in 19th century clothing as part of the annual ceremony.

“Groundhog Day was celebrated for the first time in 1887, so we kind of tried to keep that Victorian feel,” said organizer Jessica Deckard. “It’s kind of a very silly pomp and circumstance type of thing.”

This is fourth year the groundhog Hope has predicted the forecast.

Hope is taken care of by Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators. The group has helped sick, injured and orphaned Indiana Wildlife since its founding in 2002.

“They approached the town 11 years ago about hosting a Groundhog Day, and it’s just a fun event, a way to get people out,” Deckard said. “It also brings attention to their cause and helps make them money so they can continue their wildlife rescue mission.”

Over in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow either.  With more years predicting, national experts say Phil’s predictions are about 40 percent accurate.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including polka music, hot drinks and Groundhog Day-themed donuts.