Sunday is a major holiday in the United States. Nope, we’re not talking about the Super Bowl (although this is probably what’s most on your mind from where to get your wings to where to watch the big game). We’re talking about Groundhog Day! Did you forget?
Sunday, February 2nd will be a double celebration: Super Bowl Sunday and Groundhog Day fall on the same day this year.
If a groundhog sees its shadow after waking up for his long winter’s nap on Groundhog Day, we will have six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will arrive early. For those fun-loving folks who really have to know as soon as the groundhog makes its prediction there will be two events held on Long Island.
Malverne Mel will be at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann's (480 Hempstead Avenue, Malverne) to let us know what he predicts. Will Mel predict an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter? Head over to find out. The event will be held from 6:45-8:00am on Sunday, February 2nd. You can also enjoy the music of the Banjo Rascals a petting zoo, and the Mel Mascot.
In 2019, Malverne Mel prognosticated that it would be an early Spring because he did not see his shadow.
Holtsville Hal’s handler, Gregg Drossel, shows him to the crowd during the 2019 Groundhog Day celebration. Photo: Town of Brookhaven website.
Holtsville Hal will also make his annual appearance at the Holtsville Ecology Site on Sunday, February 2nd to announce his famous forecast to Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro at approximately 7:25am.
“I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring to help my snow removal budget, but either way this is a much-anticipated event each year in Brookhaven Town,” Superintendent Losquadro said.
Last year, Holtsville Hal said Spring would come early to Long Island.
After the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy some free hot chocolate and visit the more than 100 non-releasable, wild or injured animals residing at the Animal Preserve, which will be open from 7-11am.
Gates will open at the Holtsville Ecology Site Animal Preserve, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, at 7am on Sunday. Parking is free.
It is expected to be partly cloudy on Long Island this Sunday, with the temperatures to be in the 30s with a high of around 45 degrees that day. Bundle up if you’re heading out early and don’t forget the hot cocoa for the kids.
