MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Ohio’s official weather-predicting groundhog is preparing for his 47th year in the spotlight. Buckeye Chuck will make his annual prediction on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, continuing a nearly half-century tradition in North Central Ohio.
In partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the live event will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Marion County Fairgrounds Colosseum.
The tradition follows a long-standing legend: if Buckeye Chuck sees his shadow, Ohioans should expect six more weeks of winter. If no shadow is cast, spring-like weather is said to be just around the corner.
The celebration is sponsored by Pillar Credit Union. For those unable to attend the sunrise event in person, a live broadcast will be available via Buckeye Chuck’s Facebook Fan Page.
Beyond the weather forecast, the event serves as a call to action for local residents to support the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or cash donations to the Colosseum.
As an incentive for early arrivals, the first 100 visitors to donate will receive an “iHeart Buckeye Chuck” T-shirt, sponsored by Hessler’s Screen Printing and More.
Buckeye Chuck, who resides at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, was named Ohio’s official state groundhog by the General Assembly in 1979. He remains one of the most recognized weather prognosticators in the Midwest.