SI Zoo's 'Chuck' Makes His Prediction; Spring Is Coming To NYC

Will we have a short winter or will it be another six weeks until spring? Staten Island Chuck gave us his long awaited answer today at an early morning ceremony at the Staten Island Zoo.

Having not seen his show, SI CHUCK proclaims that SPRING IS COMING!

Staten Island CHUCK, along with Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Congressman Michael McMahon and other notable figures, made his much anticipated prediction this morning at the Staten Island Zoo. Gates opened at 7 a.m. for this free ceremony, Chuck's prediction took place at 7:30 a.m. Seasoned Ground Hog Day Emcee Brian Laline, editor of the Staten Island Advance, donned a tuxedo for the occasion. After John Franzreb trumpeted the horn, the prediction was made.

"There is no better place to be on the morning of Groundhog Day than at the Staten Island Zoo. The excitement, the anticipation, and all the pomp and circumstance that comes with the notoriety of housing the world's most famous groundhog, makes this day a very special one for Staten Island and for our Zoo. I personally "predict" that this year's ceremony will be on of the best ever, " said John Caltabiano, Executive Director of the Staten Island Zoo. "SI Chuck is ready to WOW the world this morning as he does every year. We expect no less from our very own masterful weather prognosticator," continued Caltabiano.

Following the ceremony, a special breakfast was held with Chuck in his honor! Pop-up chucks and paddles that indicate Chuck's prediction were also crafted by the youngsters attending today's festivities. Vouchers from Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar were given out to the crowd this morning for a dessert shooter because Chuck didn't see his show. If Chuck had seen his shadow, guests would have been given coupons for a free bowl of soup to get them through six more weeks of winter.

Guests at Staten Island Applebee's restaurants also had a chance prior to February 2 to predict his prediction. By entering the "Will Chuck See His Shadow" Contest guests who guessed correctly will be entered to win Dinner for Two, once a month for a year. Three lucky winners who selected the correct answer will be chosen at random.

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