Things to Do

Will Arboretum Annie See Her Shadow on Groundhog Day?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Join Arboretum Annie, everyone’s favorite meteorologist, for Groundhog Day at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on February 2, 2020. Especially if you want to be the first to find out when Spring arrives in North Texas for 2020. Groundhog Day is from 7-9 a.m. February 2 in A Tasteful Place gardens, overlooking White Rock Lake. Join the festivities for free with paid garden admission, specially priced at only $5 in February.

When a groundhog emerges from hiding and sees her shadow, folklore says she runs back inside. That can mean six more weeks of winter. But if she doesn’t see her shadow, spring arrives early! For local flower lovers, that means spring would be just in time for Dallas Blooms. Sounds of Spring, Dallas Blooms, presented by IBERIABANK, opens February 29 and runs through April 12.

Dallas Arboretum Photo

Photo: Courtesy Dallas Arboretum

Board chairman Alan Walne said that their venue naturally revolves around the weather, considering it’s a botanical garden. However, if they want to discover whether they’ll have an early spring or not, Arboretum Annie is happy to lend a little help.

Guests are encouraged to wear a Texas-style hat for a Groundhog Day hat contest. Hat-making materials are provided on-site. Or bring your own decorative touches to personalize your hat. The winner of the hat contest receives a prize.

Groundhog Selfies!

Dallas Arboretum Photo

Photo: Courtesy Dallas Arboretum

Breakfast items and beverages are available for sale as early as 6:30 a.m. on Groundhog Day. Sunrise is expected at 7:22 a.m. on February 2. Kalee Dionne, WFAA TV station’s meteorologist, and Ken Barth, Dallas Arboretum Public Events Board Chair, will emcee the program. They release Annie to find out if she sees her shadow.

Guests are welcome to take selfies with the famous groundhog after the program. Other activities include making groundhog crafts, or watching the classic “Groundhog Day” movie starring Bill Murray.

Dallas Arboretum Photo

Photo: Courtesy Dallas Arboretum

Barth said, “We invite teachers and parents to help children submit a proclamation for the event. Like the Inner Circle in Punxsutawney script in a language known as ‘Groundhogs.’ Whether she has seen her shadow or not. This proclamation is a contest any child under 18 can participate in, and the one selected is read that morning.”

For those wishing to participate, up to 200 words can be sent to [email protected]. Submission deadline is January 29.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake, 8525 Garland Road in Dallas. On-site parking is $15, or $10 if purchased in advance online. The Dallas Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.