Football-shaped rodent heads up super Sunday – it’s Groundhog Day at the Museum
For immediate release ‐ January 27, 2020
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
(RALEIGH, N.C.) — Don’t miss Sir Walter Wally as he makes his annual Groundhog Day appearance at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Sunday, Feb. 2. This year, in honor of the “other event” happening later the same day, prop bets available include: The groundhog song (over/under 90 seconds). Will Wally see his shadow? After the decision, what color Gatorade will be dumped on Wally?
This year’s event is held from noon to 5 p.m., with a shadow ceremony beginning promptly at noon just outside the Museum’s front entrance. Raleigh City Council Member Nicole Stewart and new Museum Director Eric Dorfman will join Museum educator Chris Smith to assist Wally with the forecast.
Each year crowds wait in nervous anticipation to see if Wally sees his shadow. If he does, we’re in for six more weeks of winter! In recent years Wally has been gaining national recognition with his amazing accuracy and is regularly featured on The Weather Channel’s list of national Groundhog Day representatives.
After the ceremony, visitors can peruse educational stations on the first through third floors of the Museum. There will be information on Animals in Winter, Signs of Spring, the History of Groundhog Day and more, as well as fun games and activities including the Groundhog Toss and making your own groundhog headbands. For kids six and under there will be special programs about Animals in Winter (featuring live animals) throughout the afternoon in the Windows on the World theater on the third floor.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit naturalsciences.org.