As we sit in this winter’s most frigid spell yet, can we ask a favor of a famous living thing in Pennsylvania in a couple weeks? Please, Punxsutawney Phil, don’t see your shadow.
No matter the outcome of this ritual event 179 miles from Cleveland, there are plenty of festive activities in our region to celebrate, hopefully, signs of Spring to come. (You can also watch Phil’s hopefully positive results here, if you’re up early on Feb. 2.)
February 2
Visit Buckeye Chuck. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will introduce the new Buckeye Chuck on Feb. 2, as Murray, the museum’s new groundhog ambassador, participates in Groundhog Day ceremonies to predict if there will be six more weeks of winter. If Murray does not see his shadow, he predicts an early spring. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, cmnh.org
Forest Friends Preschool: Do you see a shadow? It’s Groundhog Day! Did Ohio’s furry little marmot see his shadow? Preschoolers will discover the answer to this question while learning all about this fascinating critter through hands on activities and exploration. Ages 4-5. Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. 1:30-2:30 p.m. 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted. Clevelandmetroparks.com
Stark Parks’ Groundhog Day Open House: Celebrate whistlepig prognosticators with a night out, courtesy of Rolland the Groundhog! Our esteemed animal ambassador invites you all to the Wildlife Conservation Center for live animal viewing, woodchuck games, crafts, and listening for nighttime animal calls from the warmth of the Wildlife Conservation Center Classroom using our indoor/outdoor speaker system. 5-7 p.m. 800 Genoa Ave., Massillon. Visitcanton.com
Winter Nature Tales: Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive, winter-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park after the program. 10:30-11 a.m. Twinsburg Ledges Area & Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. summitmetropark.org
