HOPE — The residents of Hope are preparing to dust off their top hats and formal wear as the town’s most famous furry resident, Hope the Groundhog, prepares to deliver her 13th annual weather prognostication on Monday, February 2, 2026.
This year marks a significant milestone for the northeastern Bartholomew County tradition: it is the 13th year for the town’s festivities and the sixth year that Hope, a resident of Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators, has served as the official “Seer of Seers.” Hope is one of fewer than 70 live marmot prognosticators remaining in the United States.
Event Schedule & Festivities
The celebration is a blend of local theater, nature education, and “Pomp and Circumstance.” Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal attire—mimicking the famous Inner Circle of Punxsutawney—to welcome Hope as she emerges to predict either an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
- 8:00 a.m.: Music begins and the crowd gathers at the Hope Town Square Bandstand.
- 8:30 a.m.: The official prognostication ceremony.
- Post-Ceremony: After the prediction, attendees can head to Willow Leaves of Hope on the north side of the square for warm drinks and light refreshments.
- Selfie Opportunity: Hope will be available for photos and “selfies” with fans following her prediction.
The event is organized by Main Street of Hope and Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators, with additional support from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and Indiana Main Street.
Hope the Groundhog lives at the Utopia Wildlife facility near Newbern. Due to her sensitive nature as a hibernating animal, her handlers from Utopia ensure she is handled with care. Per tradition, she “whispers” her forecast to a representative of the “Groundhog Groupies,” who then shares the official proclamation with the public.
What began as a local curiosity has grown into a regional draw. In recent years, the Hope celebration has attracted visitors from as far away as New Jersey and Ohio, as well as live news coverage of the event.
