Governor Justice announces clearance from WV State Wildlife Center to celebrate Groundhog Day

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — Governor Jim Justice announced that the State Wildlife Center in French Creek got a 1-day clearance to host the 2024 Groundhog Day Ceremony.

Governor Justice and WVDNR welcome more elk into the Mountain State

This was decided by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The celebration will be on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.

The public is welcome to attend the opening ceremony, which will begin at 9:50 A.M. At 10:00 A.M., French Creek Freddie, the groundhog, will emerge and predict if there will be an early spring or another six weeks of winter.

For those who cannot attend the ceremony can watch it here.

“Despite the challenges posed by the relicensing process, I am thrilled to announce that the West Virginia State Wildlife Center has received clearance to host our Groundhog Day celebration tomorrow. We extend our gratitude to the USDA for their support. So I ask all West Virginians to join us as we mark this tradition tomorrow. We all look forward to reopening the Wildlife Center to the public soon,” Governor Justice said.

Due to an issue with a relicensing procedure, the State Wildlife Center would be closed for Groundhog Day. Through a press briefing called on by Governor Justice, he was able to change this to make the ceremony happen.

“On behalf of the WVDNR and all of French Creek Freddie’s adoring fans, I want to thank Gov. Justice for his swift action and the cooperation of the folks at the USDA’s APHIS to save our Groundhog Day ceremony. Groundhog Day is a cornerstone of community spirit and local tradition in West Virginia and this event symbolizes the joy and unity our State Wildlife Center brings to families and visitors. I want to invite everyone to come out and celebrate this victory for our community and continue to enjoy and participate in our state’s unique traditions,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

Groundhog Day Eve hosts clearing skies and sunshine before clouds increase tonight

Currently the State Wildlife Center is still in the process of its relicensing procedure, which is being worked on as quickly as possible. The public will be notified once this procedure is fulfilled and the Wildlife Center is fully reopened to the public.

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