Millersville-based wildlife rehabilitation center Acorn Acres will host its annual Groundhog Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 2, in downtown Lancaster. The festivities will kick off at Ville & Rue, 8 W. King St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The celebration will continue with an all-ages Groundhog Day party from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Imperial, 26 E. Chestnut St. Both events will be free to attend.

At 11:30 a.m., Acorn Acres ambassador Elliott the groundhog will predict the weather forecast for the remaining winter months. This will be Elliott's first prognostication, as the yearly ritual was previously completed by the wildlife center's former mascot, Poppy. After Poppy's death last February, Elliott has taken over the late groundhog's responsibilities as the face of Acorn Acres. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available at Ville & Rue, and Poppy-themed items such as pillows, tea towels and tote bags will be available to purchase.

Once the party moves to the Imperial, guests may enjoy various family-friendly activities including groundhog-themed crafts, cornhole, Jenga and live entertainment. A game of bingo will begin at 5 p.m., but there will be a twist: Players must yell "groundhog" to redeem a winning card. At 6 p.m., an educational program featuring Elliott will be held to offer guests information on groundhogs, followed by Elliott's second prognostication at 7 p.m. for this year's National Football League championship. Tickets for a prize drawing will be available until the winning numbers are selected at 8 p.m., and food and drinks will be available to purchase from a cash bar before the party wraps up.

Traditionally, Acorn Acres celebrates Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt in Lancaster city. The event was created in 2021 by the organization's founder, Betsy Shank, who sought a way to support local businesses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. "I happened to have an Emmy-nominated and very cute groundhog, so I used Poppy's popularity to draw people to downtown businesses," Shank said. Poppy acquired national fame after she appeared alongside Bill Murray in a commercial for the National Football League championship game in 2020.

Shank decided to change the format of the event after Elliott took over as Acorn Acres' mascot. Although Poppy was always comfortable in the limelight, Elliott is a younger and much more reserved groundhog. With this in mind, Shank redesigned the event to still support local businesses without overwhelming Elliott. Several businesses located in Quarryville, Conestoga and other parts of the Southern End have donated prizes and other items for the celebration, including Britain Hill Winery, Conestoga Cookies and Hempfield Botanicals.

Acorn Acres' facility is located in Millersville, but its service area covers most of the county. In the past, the organization has taken in animals that were found as far south as Wakefield, and Shank has assisted wildlife centers in other counties by taking in one of their rescues.

"We want people to just come out, be happy and enjoy Groundhog Day," Shank said. "This all started to get people smiling, even from behind a mask. We're still doing that."

For more information, visit http://www.acornacreswr.com/groundhog-day.