Sir Walter Wally makes official weather prediction on Tuesday, February 2
For immediate release ‐ January 26, 2016
Contact: Emelia Cowans, 919.707.9837. Images available upon request
Susan Kluttz, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources debuts as the “Groundhog Whisperer”
RALEIGH, N.C. – Ask anyone around the Triangle and they’d say winter took its sweet time coming, but it has finally arrived. This past weekend is proof of that. The burning question is how long will it stick around? Well, that’s for Sir Walter Wally to decide and he’ll do just that during the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ 20th annual Groundhog Day celebration on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 on Bicentennial Plaza in front of the Museum! Judging from his track record over the last 15-years, Wally tends to favor long winters, but you never know! The day’s activities kick off at 9 a.m. and run through 1 p.m. The shadow ceremony where he’ll make his prediction begins promptly at noon.
Whether you call him a Groundhog, a Woodchuck or a “Whistle Pig,” one thing you can’t call Sir Walter Wally is inconsistent. Regularly listed among the Weather Channel’s “Top 11 Groundhogs to Watch,” Wally comes in at #7 on the list this year and he continues to gain national attention for his “hognosticating,” or rather, prognosticating abilities. Since 1998, Wally has been right 55 percent of the time, while his cousin to the north of us, Punxsutawney Phil, has been correct a measly 33 percent. Not only does this mean Wally is more accurate, but he tends to favor longer winters as well. According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2, we’re in for six more weeks of winter.
Susan Kluttz, Secretary of the newly formed N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources makes her debut this year as our official “Groundhog Whisperer” and joins former Museum educator John Connors, who will be outfitted in top hat and tails, to assist Wally with the forecast.
“I am looking forward to hearing what Wally has to whisper to me about the coming of Spring,” says Kluttz. “My fingers are crossed that the day will be cloudy so that Wally does not see his shadow. I am ready for warmer weather!”
Immediately following the ceremony, Wally will be at his special station where those with cameras can pose for pictures alongside the famous weather predictor. The ceremony will be held in the Museum’s auditorium in case of inclement weather.
Visitors can also take advantage of educational stations like “Snakes in Winter,” “Signs of Spring,” the “History of Groundhog Day” and more, as well as fun games and activities including a make-your-own Groundhog Hat station (1st floor, main). For kids six and under there will be a special Storytime called “Animals in Winter” at 10:30 a.m. and Meet the Animals at 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. in Windows on the World (3rd floor, main).
For more information about Groundhog Day, please contact Miranda Dowdy at miranda.dowdy@naturalsciences.org or 919.707.9885.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (11 W. Jones St. and 121 W. Jones St.) in downtown Raleigh, is the state’s most visited cultural attraction. It is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world, drawing them into the intriguing fields of study that are critical to the future of North Carolina. Hours: Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Admission is free, however donations are appreciated and accepted. Visit the Museum on the Web at www.naturalsciences.org. Emlyn Koster, PhD, Director; Susan Kluttz, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Pat McCrory, Governor.