For Holland’s infamous and sometimes–depending on the prediction–beloved groundhog, giving a Groundhog Day forecast has been challenging over the past few years. COVID-19 and the passing of the last Hucky, caused a disruption in the annual February 2 forecast and gathering. And this year, the newest groundhog, Hucky Bella Rose was dealing with a whopper of a storm taking aim at northwest Ohio.
But that didn’t stop Charlie and Terri Hoag, owners of Lady Hucky, from releasing her prediction, albeit a day earlier. The bashful youngster sat atop her hutch and proclaimed, “Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I see at least six weeks of below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. I don’t know about you, but I’m going back into hibernation for six more weeks, and I suggest you do the same.”
While not the forecast that everyone had hoped for, it came as no surprise to the Hoags who planned to dismantle the youngster’s hutch before the storm’s arrival. The couple hopes to return to their typical festive celebration of the holiday next year when family and friends can once again gather around the hutch with piping hot coffee in one hand and paper snowballs in the other–ready to toss should her forecast prove unfavorable.
This is Bella Rose’s inaugural forecast, explained Mr. Hoag, noting the youngster turns 1 in April. She also has the distinction of being Holland’s first female groundhog, added Mrs. Hoag. Lady Hucky, who is looking forward to making many more predictions, for now, plans to snooze a few more weeks, waking occasionally to enjoy her favorite foods–lettuce, red pepper, broccoli, potato chips, cheese and goldfish crackers.
