Shubenacadie Sam and Lucy the Lobster. Photo: Department of Natural Resources/Visit Barrington.
Groundhog Day may look a little different this year as a Sunday‑night storm threatens to disrupt the traditional early‑morning forecasts from Nova Scotia’s animal prognosticators, Shubenacadie Sam and Lucy the Lobster.
Sam is slated to make his annual appearance Monday at 7:45 a.m. at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, joined by Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland.
With a storm in the forecast, officials plan to make a final decision Sunday on whether the outdoor ceremony will proceed as planned. If the event is cancelled, the park says Sam’s prediction will still be posted shortly after 8 a.m. on its Facebook page. According to folklore, if the ceremony cannot take place and the groundhog does not see a shadow, it signals an early spring.
Stewiacke Mayor Doug Glasser says Sam won’t be left without a stage if weather becomes an issue. “We are more than willing to let them come and have their ceremony in our community centre,” he said, adding with a laugh that he would even bring in some snow if needed. “If they wanted me to bring in a couple buckets of snow, I’d be more than willing.”
Glasser also expressed strong loyalty to Sam when asked about the growing attention around Lucy the Lobster in Barrington, who delivers her own prediction each Groundhog Day. “If I had to listen to any of them, I would definitely listen to Sam,” he said. “I would take Sam every day of the week.”
Lucy will make her 2026 prediction at 8 a.m. on the Cape Sable Island Causeway. Event organizers describe her as “fresh from the spa and ready to dazzle” in what has become a South Shore tradition. No weather contingency plans have been announced for Lucy’s appearance.
Both events are expected to draw attention Monday morning as Nova Scotians wait to see whether their winter is winding down — or only just beginning.
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