Surely, in this day and age, we can all agree that using a groundhog to predict the weather is silly, unscientific, and inaccurate. But a lobster? Well, that’s a forecaster that we — or at least Nova Scotians — can get behind.
This Groundhog Day, Nova Scotians decided to let a lobster take a crack at predicting the seasons, in addition to the traditional groundhog. In front of an appreciative audience, Lucy the Lobster crawled out of the ocean onto the South Shore and — after a little help climbing aloft a lobster trap — failed to see her shadow, predicting an early springtime. The event marked the kickoff of the South Shore Lobster Crawl, a food and culture festival centred around everyone’s favourite crustacean.
https://www.facebook.com/novascotiasouthshore/videos/2016460118383974/
Lucy’s prediction wasn’t shared by all of the groundhogs this year. Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog in the shadow-spotting game did see his shadow, predicting another six weeks of winter. However, Nova Scotia’s official groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, seconded Lucy’s prediction of an early springtime. (Shubenacadie Sam made further headlines by biting a CBC reporter who was there for the event. What that means for this year’s weather, we’re not entirely sure.)
Lucy is now relaxing at Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack in Barrington Passage, where visitors can come see — but not, organizer’s have reassured the public, eat — her.
Yes, Lucy’s celebrity status will ensure she doesn’t become dinner during the festival, unlike many of her peers. And with thousands of people online sharing stories and photos of Lucy, it’s safe to say she stole the show from the groundhogs this year. Shubenacadie Sam might want to think about pulling out some new tricks if he wants to hold onto his job.