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Groundhog Day Festivities Scheduled For Today

February 1st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

Murray the Groundhog will emerge on the City Hall Plaza Feb. 2 at sunrise as part of the annual local observance of Groundhog Day.

The event will begin at 7 a.m. on the plaza with polka music. Baked goods and hot drinks will be available for purchase from the Fort Hill Red Huddle and Western Maryland Stags. M&M Bakery will open at 5:30 a.m. and Queen City Creamery and Cafe Mark will open at 7 a.m.

“It will be cold at 7:22 a.m. when the sun rises over City Hall this year, but I’m looking forward to Murray’s weather prediction,” said Mayor Brian Grim. As he has in the past, Grim will don a top hat and black coat to serve as master of ceremonies for the event.

Bob Candy of the Tri-State Zoo will translate Murray’s prediction to the mayor for the official announcement. A proclamation by the mayor and City Council will formalize Murray as Cumberland’s Official 2016 Weather Prognosticator.

Murray resides throughout the year at the Tri-State Zoo and staff of the zoo coordinate to set up for the event in advance.

Photos with Murray and the mayor will be available in the rotunda of City Hall immediately following the prediction. Free Groundhog Day buttons will be distributed and a costumed Murray the Groundhog character will welcome attendees.

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