Concord Charlie predicts an early spring at Concord University annual breakfast

ATHENS, WV (WVNS) — Concord Charlie predicts an early spring, as he did not see his shadow on the morning of Friday, February 2, 2024.

Concord University President Kendra Boggess was informed by Concord Charlie that an early spring could be expected, since he did not see his shadow.

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Concord Charlie’s prediction was heard by almost 80 guests that had met for Concord University’s Groundhog Day Breakfast in University Point’s Pais Fellowship Hall.

The tradition of Concord Charlie was started by the late Professor R.T. “Tom” Hill in 1978. The Groundhog Day Breakfast was created by Hill, who was the chairman of the Appalachian Studies program and the geography department at Concord University, as a way to not only highlight the program, but to also celebrate the heritage of Appalachia.

Not only had the guests met to hear what Charlie predicted, they were also there to honor the 2024 Grand Groundhog Watcher, Lori McKinney.

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Lori McKinney is mainly a performing and recording artist (vocals, drums, dance, spoken word), who also has a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Music Theatre, and is the co-founder and administrator of The RiffRaff Arts Collective.

In addition to being the co-founder of The RiffRaff Arts Collective, she is also the co-founder of Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival, which is a weekend long, multicultural immersion in the creative arts, and All Together Arts Week where the goal is to connect art organizations and artists.

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