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Chuckles the Groundhog Says 6 More Weeks of Winter

Connecticut Chuckles VIII, newly sworn in as the state groundhog, saw her shadow Saturday morning at the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester, portending a late spring for the state.

 

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!

thomas February 2, 2013 at 03:47 pm
this world is an idiot s delight
Flowers February 2, 2013 at 05:26 pm
Thomas. Having trouble with your groundhog? I like to lure my groundhog out of his lair with a Cheese Doodle. Groundhogs love Cheese Doodles.
Steve from SAAC February 3, 2013 at 12:38 am
No mention of CT's own "Essex Ed," who commanded a fantastic and fun parade in downtown Essex last Sunday?!
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!
Flowers February 3, 2013 at 02:35 am
Thanks for the photos Steve.
Corey Fyke (Editor) February 3, 2013 at 07:03 am
Nice pics, Steve! That's a groundhog that would make Carl Spackler quake in his groundskeeper's boots!
Steve from SAAC February 3, 2013 at 01:07 pm
Gotta give those Essex-ites credit--they know how to have a good time!
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!

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