Community Corner

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.

 

Corey Fyke and Jessie King

Bundle up, Connecticut. It looks like six more weeks of winter before spring wraps its warm embrace upon the state.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

  • New Connecticut State Groundhog Announced

Do you agree with Chuckles VIII that winter will continue for six more weeks? Tell us in the comments!


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