Bundle up, Connecticut. It looks like six more weeks of winter before spring wraps its warm embrace upon the state.
It wasn't the answer the dozens of children and other onlookers who gathered before dawn Saturday at the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester wanted. But when Connecticut Chuckles VIII, the newly sworn-in state groundhog, poked her head out of her hole and saw her shadow ... well, what's a human to do but reluctantly put on his heavy coat and leather gloves and hope for the best.
This was Chuckles VIII's first time making the much-awaited annual pronouncement, as Connecticut Chuckles VII tragically passed away early last year just after making her 2012 prediction.
Meanwhile, over in Pennsylvania, national groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, which means winter is "canceled." Which groundhog will turn out to be more accurate? Only time will tell.
Patch's "P! News" was at the event and will file an exclusive video report later Saturday.
Do you agree with Chuckles VIII that winter will continue for six more weeks? Tell us in the comments!
Background info: http://www.theday.com/article/20130116/NWS01/301179740/1006/zip06&town=Old-Saybrook&template=zip06art And a couple of my own photos from the festivities: http://home.comcast.net/~shorelinesteve/EssexEdPrd13Cars9-1k.JPG http://home.comcast.net/~shorelinesteve/EssexEdPrd13UpStreet-1k.JPG http://home.comcast.net/~shorelinesteve/EssexEdPrd13Crmny2-1k.JPG Essex Ed rules in my book!
This was my first time seeing the spectacle in person. I was drawn especially because I had heard that there are often some antique cars that participate--and there were some beauties indeed. But the overall "have fun"' aspect really shone through, with throngs of people following Essex Ed in the parade, banging pots & pans and any & all other sorts of noisemakers. The "Sailing Masters of 1812" fife & drum corps (based in Essex) also provided a lively patriotic soundtrack. Overall, it was a real kick!