Milltown Mel – New Jersey’s fantastic, furry, famous weather-predicting groundhog has unfortunately passed away a few days before Groundhog Day. Mel’s sudden cause of death is not confirmed: nevertheless, many are deeply saddened by this tragedy. The 2022 Groundhog Day festival in his hometown was canceled due to his untimely passing. 

Groundhog Day first started in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Every year on February 2nd, a groundhog will rise from its hole and determine if spring will soon blossom, or if we are in store for 6 more weeks of winter depending on whether he sees his shadow or not.

Though Mel was small, he was a widely valued member of the Milltown community. His special appearances at the Groundhog Day festivals for the past 10 years is something people will never forget. Mel’s Facebook announced that they will, “work hard on getting us a new weather prognosticator for next year…” We will never forget the impact Mel left in the Milltown community for many years.