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Buckeye Chuck

By MarionMade! on February 1, 2019

2019: NO SHADOW! EARLY SPRING!

If it is February 2, it is Groundhog Day and that has special meaning in Marion, Ohio. Since 1979 and for 40 years, by proclamation of the State of Ohio, Buckeye Chuck has been Ohio’s official weather prognosticating groundhog.

Buckeye Chuck studies weather patterns, jet stream anomalies, ocean currents…and naps a lot…in order to procure Ohio’s most accurate springtime forecast. Each year he prepares to emerge from his personal den, in the woods behind the studios of WMRN Radio in Marion, Ohio, to deliver Ohio’s annual forecast. According to legend, if Buckeye Chuck sees his shadow at sunrise, Ohioans have to deal with six more weeks of winter.

Chuck greets his adoring public, local officials, and distinguished reporters during a mass media event at the WMRN studios at 1330 North Main Street, Marion. A live broadcast is held from 7-
8 am, heard on 1490 WMRN-AM, and around the world via the internet. Sunrise is at 7:40am, and that is when Chuck delivers the forecast for the rest of the winter.

The event includes a bountiful feast of complimentary SPAM sandwiches. Why SPAM? It’s “ground hog!” In addition, there is coffee for sale at the event to keep everyone warm. It is a don’t miss celebration for Marion, Ohio, bringing visitors from around the world. So bundle up and help Buckeye Chuck celebrate his 40th anniversary of this fine tradition. And, keep your fingers crossed for an early spring prediction from Buckeye Chuck!

#MarionMade #WMRN #WeAreTraditions

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