Archived Outdoors

Celebrate Groundhog Day with Tater and Yammy

Written by
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Tater (left) and Yammy will share the spotlight this year during Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock State Park photo Tater (left) and Yammy will share the spotlight this year during Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock State Park photo

Groundhogs Tater and Yammy will make their meteorological debut during the 19th annual Groundhog Day Celebration Friday, Feb. 2, at Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County. 

Guests can come meet the groundhogs or watch the livestream starting at 10 a.m., with the full video to be available on YouTube at noon. Chimney Rock Village Mayor Peter O’Leary will announce the groundhogs’ predictions regarding both frost and football. According to legend, there will be six more weeks of winter if Tater and Yammy see their shadows, or an early spring if they don’t. Immediately following their weather predictions, the groundhogs will place their bets for the winner of Super Bowl LVIII.

Tater and Yammy joined the Chimney Rock ambassador team in 2023 after being brought to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge as juveniles, where they were deemed unable to be released to the wild. This is a the first time in Chimney Rock history that two groundhogs have shared the spotlight on the big day.

The event is included with regular park admission. Watch the livestream at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc.

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