CUMBERLAND — If Queen City Charlie is right, spring is just around the corner.
Cumberland’s prognosticating groundhog mascot didn’t see his shadow during a Groundhog Day celebration early Friday morning at City Hall Plaza. That means an early spring for Cumberland, according to folklore.
“There’s no shadow today,” Mayor Ray Morriss said.
The prediction was in line with Charlie’s rival, Punxsutawney Phil, who also saw his shadow in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Groundhog Day, which dates to 1818, is a tradition carried to the United States by German immigrants and always held on Feb. 2. If the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter will follow. If not, mild weather is on its way.
The event was the 17th in Cumberland.
Charlie is actually a person donning a groundhog costume who took over in 2022 following the death of Western Maryland Murray.
Murray, an actual groundhog, was part of city festivities with Tri-State Zoological Park owner Bob Candy for more than a decade.
Charlie also predicted an early spring last year.
“Charlie has never been wrong,” Mayor Ray Morriss said.
During the event, city officials also announced winners of an annual Groundhog Day coloring contest and read a proclamation.
Complimentary hot chocolate from Cafe Mark and groundhog-themed cookies from M&M Bakery were also available.