Written By Olena Riznyk
MELBOURNE - On February 2, the town of Melbourne gathered once again for its beloved Groundhog Day event, which has become a cherished tradition over the years. This celebration saw more than 50 attendees, including local mayors —North Middlesex Mayor Brian Ropp, Lucan Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, and Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham— along with community members and long-time followers of the event.
Middlesex County Warden Brian Ropp expressed his appreciation for the tradition: “It’s the thing that keeps small communities going. It’s what keeps us vibrant. It’s the difference between the hustle and bustle of the city and the charm of a small community,” he said.
The origins of this local Groundhog Day celebration trace back to 2007, when Jack Galbraith’s neighbours first dubbed him the “Groundhog.” This nickname was born from Jack’s role in signaling the arrival of spring in the small hamlet where he lived. As the story goes, Jack had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003, but after successfully undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, the tumor went into remission. With his health improving, Jack was often spotted sitting on his veranda, and his neighbours joked that his appearance marked the start of spring – just like the famed groundhogs.
JoAnn Galbraith, the founder of the event, reminisced about how it all started. “It began with Jack being compared to a groundhog by his neighbours, and when he got the stuffed animals, we thought it would be a fun idea to turn it into an event for the community,” she said. Over the years, this quirky tradition has gained a loyal following, with people eagerly asking in January if Jack will be out predicting again.
The first official prediction was made on February 2, 2007, when Jack, accompanied by his first stuffed groundhog, “Middlemiss Mike,” announced his forecast for the region. His predictions were featured in local newspapers. At the time, the winter months often felt long and depressing, especially for those with health issues. Jack’s predictions provided a bit of lighthearted fun and a sense of connection for the community.
Over the years, the tradition gained momentum, attracting more attention and community participation. Jack’s Groundhog Day celebration has remained a symbol of community, fun, and togetherness, reminding everyone that, despite the long winters, there’s always a reason to smile.
