Shubenacadie Sam in spotlight for Ground Hog Day

Shubenacadie Sam will predict the weather for the next six weeks Feb. 2, and will celebrate wetlands at the same time.

Shubenacadie Sam, the weather predicting groundhog at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, is said to be very excited to host his annual Feb. 2 party on a Saturday this year.

There may be other groundhogs in North America, but Shubenacadie Sam makes the first prediction on this continent.

If he sees his shadow and runs back to hide, winter is here for another six weeks. If he does not, spring is just around the corner. But one has to be at the park bright and

early to see his forecast. At 7:55 a.m., the bag piper and town crier will herald Shubenacadie Sam out of his house for his grand prediction at 8 a.m. sharp. He will be available for photos following his prognostication.

As well, Feb. 2 is also World Wetlands Day.

As a nature

lover, park officials say, Shubenacadie Sam wants to promote the stewardship of natural areas to provide homes for him and his friends. That’s why he is helping Ducks Unlimited Canada to celebrate World Wetlands Day.

The 2008 RAMSAR World Wetlands Day theme is “Healthy wetlands, healthy people.” Visitors can learn how wetlands keep us healthy and get active by nature by participating in some fun activities. There will be guided nature walks, with snowshoes provided, if needed. Staff will be investigating what is living in our ponds by critter dipping with nets under the ice.

The Ducks Unlimited Canada Greenwing Legacy Interpretative Centre will open so visitors can enjoy the interactive displays. There will also be free coffee, hot chocolate, face painting and crafts. Ducks Unlimited Canada will be having a colouring contest. Other activities, such as a fishpond and making plaster tracks will cost $1.

The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park's gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrance into the park is free until 10 a.m.

The Shubenacadie Legion and Lions Club will also be hosting a breakfast at the Shubenacadie Legion from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $7 for adult, $5 for children age 5 to 12 and free for children under 5.

Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, jam, tea, coffee

and juice will be served.