Winter weather has prompted sweeping changes to Groundhog Day events across Nova Scotia, affecting both the annual celebration at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park and the South Shore’s beloved lobster prognosticator, Lucy.

Shubenacadie Sam Stays in the Burrow

Officials at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park have cancelled this year’s event due to forecasted blowing snow and potentially hazardous driving conditions for the public. With Sam remaining safely underground, folklore rules that he will not see his shadow — traditionally signalling an early spring.

The park says public safety is the top priority, especially for families who typically travel before dawn to attend the ceremony.

Lucy’s Groundhog Day Prediction Moves to a New Location

Further south, the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl team announced that Lucy’s annual Groundhog Day‑style forecast will still go ahead, but at a different venue due to significant snowfall, icy conditions at the Causeway, and a nor’easter expected Sunday night into Monday.

Lucy will now make her prediction in front of Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack at 8 a.m., conveniently close to the lobster “spa” where she resides. Organizers jokingly said that between the snow, ice, and incoming storm, Lucy had decided her “LOBstar” status meant she wasn’t travelling far this year — a blend of diva behaviour and lobster logic.

Members of the public are welcome to attend, but are urged to use caution and dress for winter weather.
For those choosing to stay home, the event will be livestreamed on the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl Facebook page.