(flickr/Alex Ranaldi)

Celebrate Groundhog Day again this year at Wildlife Prairie Park as Gertie the groundhog will make her annual weather prognostication at Gertie’s Groundhog Day Outing on Tuesday, February 2.

The gates open at 6am with FREE ADMISSION with an exciting early morning agenda that leads up to Gertie’s appearance at sunrise, approximately 7:00 AM. Park naturalists will talk about the history of Groundhog Day and present interesting facts about groundhogs, local musician, Barry Cloyd, will teach everyone the song, “Wake Up, Gertie”, and Gertie will arrive in “red-carpet style” aboard the ElkMobile.

While you wait to see if Gertie sees her shadow, you can warm up in the visitors center with some free hot coffee. In addition to predicting an extended winter or an early spring, Gertie will also be making her annual Superbowl pick as well.

The first 50 people in the gates for Gertie’s Groundhog Day Outing will receive a coupon from the local McDonald’s for a FREE McCafe coffee or Frappe, a Wildlife Prairie Park stadium cup and temporary tattoos for kids.

Stop on out for the fun!!

Gertie’s Groundhog Day Outing Schedule:

6:00 AM – Park opens with free admission

6:00 AM – Visitor’s Center opens as a warming station with hot drinks.

6:15 AM – Barry Cloyd entertains with the “Wake Up, Gertie” song and other fine music

6:30 AM – Official Welcome and arrival of Gertie

6:40 AM – Educational presentations by Park naturalists

6:55 AM – Introduction of Wildlife Prairie Park Officials

7:00 AM – Wake up Gertie!

7:10 AM — Prediction time!!!