On February 2, 2015 at approximately 8:00 a.m. at the Woodlan Jr/Sr High School Woodburn Wild Charles Winchester (a.k.a Chuck) will appear from his house and reveal his 2015 Prognostication or prediction for the arrival time of Spring to Woodburn officials, residence and area school children. The Prognostication will also kick off the 150th Birthday Celebration of this great city.
Area residents, organizations and others are planning a variety of events to celebrate Woodburn’s Sesquicentennial. These events will lead up to the June 12-13 Woodburn Summerfest. The Summerfest will be a two day celebration including a parade, trivia night, entertainment, fireworks and much more.
“Chuck” as most Woodburn residence refer to the local celebrity groundhog, woodchuck, or whistle-pig is an animal ambassador at Indiana Wild. Indiana Wild is a Woodburn business, inspiring live animal conservation through outreach education programs. Indiana Wild believes that forming a positive, tactile, emotional connection with animals in an educational setting will foster a foundation of conservation and a love of wild things.
Indiana Wild also believes that animals are not simply a natural or scientific part of our world, but that they are intrinsically connected to people through culture. Animals play a significant role in human religion, science, history, art, folklore, mythology, medicine, sports, economy, and families. Which is why a Groundhog Day prognostication seemed appropriate.
Every year on February 2, people all around the world celebrate Groundhog Day. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.
Groundhog Day 2015 is expected to be a big day in Woodburn. Chuck will leave his burrow at 8:00 a.m. February 2nd in front of the Woodlan Jr/Sr High School in Woodburn, Indiana. he will observe the weather conditions and look for his shadow he will then make his prediction for the remainder of winter.
While everyone enjoyed last year’s prediction of an early spring. Sadly, Chuck’s first attempt at a prediction was incorrect. Residents certainly did not experience an early spring. This year Chuck and his handlers are going for accuracy rather than popularity.
Anyone interested in more information on the prognostication may contact: Indiana Wild at 260-466-5976/ beth@indianawild.org. For more information on the 150th celebrations may contact the Woodburn Community Association P.O. Box 514 Woodburn, IN 46797 260-632-7780
WoodburnSummerfest.com
