January 27th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The City of Cumberland, the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) and the Parks and Recreation Department extend an invitation to everyone for the 16th annual Groundhog Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza. On Wednesday, February 2nd, Cumberland’s prognosticator mascot, Queen City Charlie, will be on the steps of City Hall to help answer the question, “Will it be an early Spring or six more weeks of Winter?” On hand to interpret the prediction will be Mayor Raymond Morriss and members of City Council. The program will begin at 7 a.m. with Mayor Morriss announcing the coloring contest winners, reading the Proclamation, and welcoming our mascot who will be making an appearance near sunrise at 7:22 a.m. Attendees can enjoy coffee and hot chocolate compliments of Café Mark as well as special Groundhog shaped cookies from M&M Bake Shop. WCBC Radio will be livestreaming on Facebook. Our coloring contest entries will be on display in the windows of City Hall for all to see at the program. One winner from each grade will be chosen and on display with a blue ribbon. Queen City Creamery will have 50% off all frozen custard cones for the day if the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow. Café Mark will offer $7 omelets with toast as their special of the day. All That To Go will have free desserts if it is an early spring or free drinks for 6 more weeks of winter. The Allegany County Library will join the fun by offering a landing page on their website, and will feature a Groundhog Day Story Time and a virtual bookshelf of Groundhog Day children's books with links to check them out from the library.